Clearing the air...with plants
Clearing the air with plants
by Lisa Petty
Forget expensive air filters. Tour your local greenhouse for plants that will purify air inside and out for a fraction of the cost. Experts estimate that plant-filled rooms contain 50-60% fewer airborne bacteria and molds than plant-free rooms, which may decrease the incidence of asthma and allergies. Plants can also reduce carbon dioxide, balance indoor humidity, produce oxygen, and remove toxins from the air.
On the inside
While newly constructed ‘green buildings’ are more energy efficient, their airtight designs can trap toxic fumes, leading to indoor air that is 10 times more polluted than outside air. Toxic fumes off-gassed from common items have been linked to skin reactions, respiratory problems and cancer. Benzene is found in inks, paint, plastic, rubber and detergents. Formaldehyde vapour is released from particle board, facial tissue and paper towels, while trichloroethylene is used in paints, lacquers, varnishes and adhesives.
Natural plant toxin filters:
Toxin Plant
Benzene: Gerbera Daisy; Chrysanthemum, Peace Lily; Bamboo palm; Dracaena Warneckei; English Ivy; Mother-in-law’s tongue
Formaldehyde: Bamboo palm; Dracaena ‘Janet Craig’; Mother-in-law’s tongue; Dracaena Marginata; Peace lily; green Spider plant; Golden pathos; Marble queen; Philodendron; Aloe vera
Trichloroethylene: Gerbera daisy; Dracaena Marginata, Peace lily; Dracaena ‘Janet Craig’; Bamboo palm
How plants purify
Plants emit water vapour, stimulating a pumping action that pulls air down around the roots and convert it into food. The healthier the plant, the more air it filters. For purifying effects, put plants beside your bed, in the TV room, near the computer, anywhere you spend the most time. Keep toxic plants away from children and pets. As a general rule, allow one houseplant per 100 square feet of living area.
Take it outside
During smoggy summer days, warm air traps noxious gases, leading to respiratory and other health problems – especially in urban centres. Trees in particular filter, clean and cool summer air before releasing it back into the atmosphere. Tree size, canopy cover, age and overall health affect its ability to offset carbon emissions. For example, an 80 foot beech tree can remove the amount of carbon dioxide produced daily by two single-family homes. Large trees generally help reduce carbon emissions by up to 3% annually.
Whether in a full English garden, a small patio, a balcony or window sill, adding broad leaf plants can improve the quality of the air you breathe. Choose a variety of plants native to your area and match the required growing conditions, considering soil type and sun exposure; leave enough room between plants to allow them to grow. Over-crowding reduces air circulation and encourages pest infestations. Compost and weed regularly to keep plants healthy.
Don’t underestimate the power of your lawn. Grass filters out carbon dioxide, ozone and other noxious chemicals:100 square metres of lawn produces enough oxygen to meet the daily needs of a family of four! Mow grass long (about 2 inches) and encourage deep roots by watering only when the colour starts to fade, mimicking a slow summer rain that allows about an inch of water to absorb six inches into the ground.
Originally published in Canadian Health & Lifestyle
