Plants that help improve air quality in your home

Plants are not only a home decoration, but also an excellent air filter! Few people know that in addition to producing oxygen, plants can also filter pollutants in rooms. Which ones will work best in this role?

Plants - a natural air filter

There are many types of houseplants that can trap harmful airborne substances. Some of the chemicals that can be filtered through plants include carcinogens such as benzene, toluene, and xylene, which are used in solvents. Most plants can purify the air of substances that cause nervous system damage, dizziness and headaches. These substances include hexane, styrene and trichloroethylene - present in glues, greases, paints, varnishes and even carpets. Paints and carpets often contain formaldehyde, which causes irritation of the eyes, throat and nose. This compound can also be filtered by houseplants. It is also worth mentioning carbon monoxide - a gas that can cause irreversible damage to blood cells carrying oxygen and in large doses can be fatal. Fortunately, it too can be filtered by plants in homes.

The positive impact of plants on indoor air quality

As we mentioned earlier, houseplants can trap health-threatening chemicals and filter the air in our homes. This of course results in a reduced risk of respiratory and circulatory system diseases and better well-being. In a home with many plants that are a natural air filter, we are less likely to suffer from headaches, fatigue, or sleep problems. Plants can also naturally regulate air humidity, providing comfort to people indoors. The presence of plants in rooms is therefore beneficial not only in private homes and apartments, but also in offices or schools.

Which plants to choose?

Below is a list of examples of plants that can serve as a natural air filter in our homes. If we are pet owners, it is worth checking whether the plant is toxic to dogs or cats before purchasing it.

• kentia - reduces the concentration of benzene, toluene and xylene
• dwarf palm - reduces the presence of formaldehyde and toluene
• gerbera - filters formaldehyde, benzene and trichloroethylene
• bamboo - filters formaldehyde, benzene and trichloroethylene
• Spathiphyllum - purifies the air from benzene and acetone
• fern - absorbs large amounts of formaldehyde
• dracaena edged - cleans the air from formaldehyde, xylene and trichloroethylene
• sansevieria - reduces the presence of benzene and formaldehyde
• begonia - cleans the air from benzene and toluene
• aglaonema - cleans the air from xylene and formaldehyde
• aloe - reduces the presence of benzene and formaldehyde
• Ficus benjamina - cleans the air from xylene, formaldehyde, benzene and ammonia