Repairs & Maintenance   -   Environmental Issues

      Improve Indoor Air Quality

What do a lunar space station, indoor air quality, and houseplants have in common? In the 1970s, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) began researching breathable environments for outer space. The problem facing head researcher Dr. B.C. Wolverton was how to maintain healthy air in a completely enclosed space station. He discovered that houseplants are the best filters of common pollutants released by carpets, furniture and building materials. After 25 years of research, NASA produced an extensive list of plants that can improve your home and work environment by filtering three dangerous pollutants.

Formaldehyde has been shown to be an irritant to the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose and throat. Long-term exposure can lead to cancer, particularly throat cancer. Formaldehyde is found in varying degrees in tobacco smoke, plywood, foam insulation, room deodorizers, waxed paper, facial tissues, paper towels, fabrics and fiberboard (or particleboard).

NASA determined the following plants have the ability to filter formaldehyde: Azalea (or Poinsettia), Aloe Vera, Bamboo Palm, Corn plant, Chrysanthemum, Date Palm, Dieffenbachia, Golden Pothos, Philodendron and Snake plant (or Spider Plant).

Benzene is another harmful chemical, which can be filtered from indoor air with houseplants. Inhaling benzene can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and unconsciousness; long-term exposure affects bone marrow and can cause anemia and leukemia. Benzene is a component of gasoline, inks, oils, paints, plastics, rubber, dyes, tobacco smoke, synthetic fibers (including fibers for clothing), detergents and pharmaceuticals. Volcanoes and forest fires are naturally occurring sources of benzene.

Common plants, which can filter benzene from the air include: African Daisy, Chrysanthemum, Bamboo Palm, Corn plant, Dracaena Janet Craig, Dracaena Warnecki Dragon Plant, English Ivy, Gerbera Daisy, Marginata, Peace Lily, Snake Plant and Spathiphyllum.

Lastly, trichloroethylene (TCE) is used in metal degreasing and dry-cleaning processes. It is considered a potent liver carcinogen. TCE is found in inks, paints, lacquers, varnishes, dry cleaning solutions and adhesives.

The following plants can help to remove TCE from the air: Chrysanthemum, Dracaena Warnecki, Dragon Plant, English Ivy, Gerbera Daisy, Marginata, Peace Lily, and Pothos.

Some houseplants are more efficient in filtering out toxins than others. Philodendrons, Spider plants, and Pothos were found to be the most efficient in the removal of formaldehyde. Gerbera Daisies and Chrysanthemums were found to be effective in the removal of benzene.

NASA's studies found that plants absorb chemicals into their leaves where partial decomposition occurs. Microbes around a plant's roots help in the process allowing some chemicals to be rendered harmless or converted to food for the plant. One houseplant per 9.3 square metres (100 square feet) of living area will provide measurable protection. The study also revealed that plants do very little to filter tobacco smoke.

Turning our plants into toxic filters sounds like a great idea but for many of us keeping the plants alive is itself a challenge! Over- or under-watering and insufficient lighting are the main culprits in the demise of houseplants. The sun produces full-spectrum light with a natural balance of ultraviolet and visible light. Regular incandescent light bulbs and florescent tubes reproduce only a fraction of the spectrum. You may wish to consider installing "daylight" fluorescent tubes and bulbs. Ask at your local hardware store. These products, though an improvement, will not provide the same quality of light as the sun. Where possible, make use of light from windows.

Keep in mind that many of these plants themselves are poisonous. Aloe Vera contains poisonous juices particularly the yellow juices versus the clear gel. The leaves and stalks of the Chrysanthemum are poisonous when ingested or following prolonged or extensive skin contact. All parts of the Dieffenbachia are poisonous. If pets or small children chew on the leaves, painful and immediate swelling of the mouth and throat can occur. Colloquially referred to as "dumbcane", Dieffenbachia ingestion can lead to a speech impediment lasting for several days. The leaves and juices of the Philodendron can produce itchiness and erythema, a reddening and inflammation of the skin. English Ivy has poisonous leaves and berries. Symptoms of ingestion are difficulty in breathing, convulsions, vomiting, paralysis and coma. Dermatitis is rare but can be severe with weeping blisters. If you have pets or small children be careful to keep your plants safely out of reach.

While we may never live on the moon, houseplants can purify our indoor air by filtering out toxins and the carbon dioxide we exhale - replacing them with life sustaining oxygen!

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