The low maintenance houseplants that fight hidden air pollution

CLEANER, GREENER. AIR The Low Maintenance Houseptants That Fight Hidden Air Pollution HOW CLEAN IS THE AIR IN YOUR HOME OR OFFICE? The average American spends 90% of their day indoors. The quality of indoor air is, on averàge, two to five times worse than that of outdoor air. The EPA rates indoor air pollution as one of the five greatest public health risks. Poor air quality is a leading cause of asthma attacks, a condition leading to 10 million lost school days and 14 million lost work days annually, according to the CDC. A 2015 study from the University of Queensland in Australia found that adding indoor plants to an office can increase employee productivity by 15%. WHAT'S IN YOUR, AIR? Benzene Formaldehyde Formula Formula СН. CH,0 Found In Found In Some spray adhesives, adhesive removers, furniture polishes, motor oil, degreasers and lubricants. Resins used in the manufacture of composite wood products, like plywood and fiberboard, insulation and other building materials. Effects Effects Drowsiness, headaches and dizziness. Long-term exposure to high levels of benzene has been linked to leukemia. Linked to the development of Formaldehyde is also a common allergen. Can cause irritation of the skin, eyes, nose and throat. Can cause cancer at high exposure levels. asthma in children. Ammonia Carbon Monoxide Formula Formula NH, CO Found In Found In Many household cleaning products, including kitchen, bathroom, glass and oven cleaners. Carbon monoxide is produced by the incomplete burning of fuels, like those from gas heaters and wood fires. Effects Effects Fumes cause irritation in the nose, throat and respiratory tract. Has more pronounced effects on all homes should be equipped with carbon monoxide children than on adults. At high concentrations, carbon monoxide is deadly, and detectors. However, even at lower levels, long-term exposure can lead to flu-like symptoms, including headache, fatigue and nausea. Trichloroethylene Xylene & Toluene Formula Formula C,HCI, Xylene: C,H10 Toluene: C,H, Found In Found In Commonly used as an industrial solvent, and found in some household cleaners, degreasers, sealants and toner aids. Certain paints, lacquers, fingernail polish and adhesives. Effects Effects Sleepiness, fatigue, headaches, confusion and feelings of euphoria. Chronic exposure has been linked to certain cancers. Eye, nose and throat irritation, gastrointestinal upset, impairs short-term memory, numerical ability and reaction time. Linked to the development of asthma in children. HOW HOUSEPLANTS FILTER YOUR AIR, In 1989, NASA's landmark Clean Air Study researched how to clean the air in space stations. One of their findings showed that certain plants were particularly effective at filtering toxins from the air. Peace Lily A low maintenance, low-light houseplant. Avoid fluctuations in temperature to keep them healthy. Filters Soil Use a mix that drains moderately quickly, retaining some moisture. Benzene Formaldehyde Trichloroethylene Xylene & Toluene Ammonia Fertilizer Use organic fertilizer every few months – and more frequently in the spring and summer. Sun Exposure Water Most toxins are removed Will begin to droop when they need watering. Prefer a lot of water all at once. from the air when plants absorb them through their leaves and roots and *Low Temperature 65° - 80° convert them to chemical Toxicity: energy. Others are removed by microorganisms in soil. Mild. Spider Plant One of the most effective plants at removing formaldehyde. Filters Soil Formaldehyde Trichloroethylene Carbon Monoxide Organic houseplant or African Vvolet soil with moderate drainage. Fertilizer Xylene & Toluene Balanced plant food, half strength. Sun Exposure Water NASA's research suggested Allow the top 50% of soil to dry before watering. at least one plant per 100 square feet of home or office space would ensure efficient air cleaning. *Medium to bright. Temperature 45° - 80° Toxicity: Safe. English Ivy A very hardy houseplant, which will thrive in a range of light and temperature levels. Filters Soil Use an organic mix with good drainage. Benzene Formaldehyde Trichloroethylene Xylene & Toluene Carbon Monoxide Fertilizer Basic houseplant food, half-strength. Sun Exposure Water Allow top 25-30% of soil to dry before watering. Dry leaves are a sign of overwatering. *Low Temperature Toxicity: 45° - 80° High. *Keep temperature consistent Variegated Snake Plant O A hardy and adaptable plant native to West Africa. Filters Soil Benzene Fast-draining mix. Formaldehyde Trichloroethylene Xylene & Toluene Fertilizer Use general purpose, once per month. Water Sun Exposure Keep lightly moist from spring-fall. Water just enough to prevent drying out in winter. Do not water the center of the rosette to prevent rotting. *Low to bright. Temperature 60° - 75° Toxicity: Mild. Red-Edged Dracaena A Madagascan succulent, the "Dragon Tree" can survive with little water or fertilizer. Soil Loose and fast-draining, or a mix of soil and lava rock. Filters Benzene Formaldehyde Trichloroethylene Xylene & Toluene Fertilizer Water soluble, diluted to 2 strength. Sun Exposure Water Wait until soil is 50% dry before watering. *Low to medium. Toxicity: Temperature 70° - 80° High. Chinese Evergreen One of the most user-friendly and forgiving houseplants. Soil Mix of potting soil, perlite and sand to ensure fast drainage. Filters Benzene Formaldehyde Trichloroethylene Carbon Monoxide Fertilizer Apply houseplant fertilizer once or twice Sun Exposure per year. Water *Low to medium. Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings. Temperature Toxicity: 60° - 75° Mild. Areca Palm The most efficient plant for indoor filtering, according to NASA's Clean Air study. Filters Soil Benzene Good drainage is a must – susceptible to root rot. Formaldehyde Trichloroethylene Xylene & Toluene Carbon Monoxide Fertilizer Lightly fertilize with palm fertilizer from late winter through early fail. Sun Exposure Water Once per week. Temperature Toxicity: 60° - 85° Safe. 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