Breathe Better: 6 House Plants to Improve Air Quality

Aaaachooo!
Sneezes, stuffed up noses and congestion, watery eye, scratchy throats... sound familiar?
These are not just symptoms you get during a cold virus, these are also typical day-to-day symptoms you get in your home due to all the allergens and chemicals floating around in our living space.

In addition to the dangerous chemicals used to make carpets, couches, paint and dry wall, our homes can be filled with chemicals from everyday household items and products. Things like pressed wood, facial tissue, paper towels, plastic and rubber (to name a few) also frequently contain traces of chemicals like benzene, formaldehyde and trichloroethylene.

I always find that I breathe a lot better when I'm in my mom's home than my own because she has her space filled with an abundance of beautiful household plants.  She's the Green Thumb Goddess.
As for me... if you want your plant dead, I'm the one to call.  Did not inherit even a speckle of that green thumb.
Having little ones in the house, the quality of air in my home has become something that I am striving to keep at it's best. Thankfully I came across this list from NASA that offers the top air purifying plants that aren't difficult to maintain.

NASA  investigated which household plants best act as natural air purifiers and found 15 common plants that effectively improve air quality. Based on ease-of-care, attainability, appearance and effectiveness, here are the top six air purifying plants:

1. Bamboo Palm: According to NASA, it removes formaldahyde and is also said to act as a natural humidifier.

2. Snake Plant: Found by NASA to absorb nitrogen oxides and formaldahyde.

3. Areca Palm: One of the best air purifying plants for general air cleanliness.

4. Spider Plant: Great indoor plant for removing carbon monoxide and other toxins or impurities. Spider plants are one of three plants NASA deems best at removing formaldahyde from the air.

5. Peace Lily: Peace lilies could be called the “clean-all.” They’re often placed in bathrooms or laundry rooms because they’re known for removing mold spores. Also known to remove formaldahyde and trichloroethylene.

6. Gerbera Daisy: Not only do these gorgeous flowers remove benzene from the air, they’re known to improve sleep by absorbing carbon dioxide and giving off more oxygen over night.


Credits: www.liveinthenow.com