Looking for a great reason to add beautiful indoor plants to your home? How about a NASA study that suggests some plants can filter out airborne toxins commonly found inside most homes?
Another study from the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) found the air in most houses can be more toxic than some of the world’s major industrial cities.
You might be surprised to learn that some of the worst chemicals are found in commonly used products around the home. Products such as cleaning agents, paints, plastics, rubber and furniture release toxins into the air, which can lead to respiratory problems and other health issues.
Let’s start with 7 harmful toxins and where they can be found floating around your home.
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7 Airborne Chemicals that are Floating In Your Home
A 1989 NASA plant study focussed on seven hazardous chemicals commonly found around the modern home. And tested a range of popular indoor plants to evaluate how effective they were at filtering those chemicals.
Here are the hazardous chemicals that were tested and where you can find them in your home.
Ammonia
Ammonia is a common nitrogenous waste chemical and is fatal to humans at just 0.015 mL/kg. Many countries have classified Ammonia as an extremely hazardous substance.
It is often used in cleaning products, smelling salts, fertilisers and floor waxes.
Benzene
The American Petroleum Institute stated in 1948 that the only absolutely safe concentration for Benzene is zero.
Benzene is classified as a carcinogen and targets the liver, kidney, lung, heart and brain and is found in many plastics, detergents, furniture wax, motor exhaust, petrol stations and tobacco smoke.
Carbon Monoxide
We all breath out Carbon Monoxide but it is also released in dangerous quantities from home wood fires and motor exhaust. Exposure to as little as 5000 parts per million for just five minutes can be fatal.
Formaldehyde
The American CDC considers Formaldehyde as a systemic poison and is classed as a carcinogen.
A 2009 study found a strong connection between formaldehyde and the development of childhood asthma.
So it is surprising how many commonly used products contain this toxic substance. Formaldehyde can be found in paints, treated wood, varnishes, paper bags, tissues, paper towels and plywood.
Styrene
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has described Styrene as the suspected toxin in creating many kidney and respiratory diseases. It is also a known carcinogen and contact with skin and eyes should be avoided.
That may be difficult given Styrene is used in food containers, drinking cups, car parts, insulation, fibreglass and packaging materials.
Toluene
In 2005 the European Union banned the sale of products containing more than 0.5% of Toluene.
A derivative of Benzene, it is also a known carcinogenic and can cause severe neurological harm.
Sadly, Toulene is quite common in Australia and is used in solvents, paint thinners, rubber, glue, petrol, printing ink and disinfectants. It is also commonly found in livestock feed which indirectly ends up on the dinner plate. Yummy.
Trichloroethylene
In June 2023, Minnesota became the first US state to ban Trichloroethylene. That might be because sufficient evidence now exists that it can cause cancer of the kidneys, liver and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
But for everywhere else, Trichloroethylene is still used in Metal Degreasers, Laundry Spot Removers, Ink Correction Fluids and in your Refrigerator.
Xylene
The inhaling of Xylene leads to the depression of the central nervous system with symptoms such as headache, dizziness, nausea and vomiting. Xylene is often used to make products such as rubber, leather, vehicle exhaust, printing ink, paints and leather.
21 Best Indoor Plants for Air Purification
Unfortunately, many of these airborne toxins exist whether we like it or not. And short of living in a cave these chemicals will continue to have an impact on our health and the well-being of those around us.
There is an alternative…
Fill your home with beautiful plants that can also clean the quality of the air you breath. These natural wonders are capable of filtering out harmful toxins and releasing fresh oxygen, making your home environment healthier and more enjoyable.
Let’s explore the best indoor plants for purifying your air and creating a cleaner and fresher atmosphere.
Aglaonema commutatum – Chinese Evergreen
Chinese Evergreen, also known as Aglaonema, is a versatile plant that thrives in various lighting conditions. It is also known for its ability to increase productivity, concentration, and memory, while reducing stress and improving your mood. As a bonus the Chinese Evergreen effectively filters benzene, formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, and trichloroethylene from the air.
Aloe barbadensis – Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a versatile plant that not only has soothing properties for burns and scrapes but also acts as an air purifier. It can filter benzene, formaldehyde, and carbon monoxide from the air, making Aloe Vera a valuable addition to any home.
Anthurium scherzerianum – Flamingo Lily
The Flamingo Lily, also known as Anthurium Scherzerianum, is a vibrant indoor plant with colourful blooms that resemble flamingos. As well as a spectacular talking point, the Flamingo Lily effectively filters ammonia, toluene, and formaldehyde from the air, making it a visually stunning and valuable addition to any indoor space.
Chamaedorea elegans – Parlor Palm
The Parlor Palm, also known botanically as Chamaedorea elegans, is a small palm that is perfect for adding a touch of tropical vibe inside your home. It is also an excellent purifier, reducing benzene and formaldehyde from the air.
Chrysanthemum indicum
Chrysanthemums, or mums, are known for their beautiful flowers and vibrant colours. They can also filter benzene from the air, making them a visually stunning and healthy addition to your indoor garden.
To check out our information page on Chrysanthemums click here.
Gerbera jamesonii – Barberton Daisy
Barberton Daisy, also known as Gerbera Daisy, not only adds vibrant colours to your windowsill but also purifies the air. These pretty flowers can reduce benzene and formaldehyde from the air, making it a visually appealing and valuable addition to any indoor space.
Dracaena deremensis – Janet Craig
Janet Craig, a member of the Dracaena family, is a low-maintenance plant that is perfect for beginners. It is also effective at filtering benzene and trichloroethylene from the air, making it a great choice for novice gardeners.
Dracaena Warneckii – White Jewel
Dracaena Warneckii, also known as White Jewel, is a versatile plant that not only purifies the air but also improves attention span and memory. It helps to filter nasty chemicals such as formaldehyde, xylene, trichloroethylene, and benzene from the air, making it an excellent choice for home offices and study areas.
Dypsis lutescens – Areca Palm
Areca palm is a native of Madagascar and is known for its ability to release moisture into the air, acting as a natural humidifier. It also effectively filters formaldehyde, toluene, and xylene from the air.
Ficus elastica – Rubber Tree
Ficus elastica, also known as the Rubber Tree, is a highly effective air purifier. It not only produces an abundance of oxygen but also eliminates mould spores and bacteria from the air. Rubber Trees are also particularly efficient at removing formaldehyde.
Sansevieria hyacinthoides – Snake Plant
Sansevieria hyacinthoides Snake Plant
Snake plants, also known as mother-in-law’s tongue, are known for their resilience and air-purifying properties. These plants are easy to care for and can thrive in various lighting conditions. Snake plants effectively filter benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, and xylene from the air.
Epipremnum aureum – Golden Pothos
Golden Pothos, also known as Devil’s Ivy, is a popular choice for many indoor gardening enthusiasts. It is a trailing vine that can be hung or placed on shelves, adding a touch of greenery to any space. Golden Pothos is an excellent air purifier, particularly effective at removing toluene, formaldehyde, xylene, trichloroethylene, and benzene from the air.
Ficus benjamina – Weeping Fig
Weeping Fig is a member of the ficus family and is a small tree-like plant that is a very popular species for bonsai enthusiasts. It filters out pollutants such as benzene and formaldehyde, making it a valuable addition to any home or office environment.
Spathiphyllum wallisii – Peace Lily
Peace lilies are not only visually stunning with their elegant white blooms but also efficient air purifiers. They are particularly effective at removing benzene, trichloroethylene, and formaldehyde from the air, making them a great choice for improving indoor air quality.
Chamaedorea seifrizii – Bamboo Palm
The Bamboo Palm is a tropical plant that not only adds a touch of natural beauty to your space but also acts as a natural humidifier. Bamboo Palm is also great at filtering out toxic chemicals such as ammonia, formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene from the air.
Nephrolepis exaltata – Boston Fern
Boston Ferns are not only beautiful with their feathery fronds but also excellent air purifiers. They effectively filter out xylene, formaldehyde, toluene and benzene from the air, making them a popular choice for improving indoor air quality.
Hedera helix – English Ivy
English Ivy is a climbing evergreen plant that can filter formaldehyde, xylene, toluene, and benzene from the air. Studies have shown that it can also reduce particles of fecal matter and mould, making it another plant variety when trying to improve your indoor air quality.
Philodendron hederaceum – Philodendron Heartleaf
Philodendrons, including the heart-leaf variety, are highly effective air-purifying plants. They effectively filter formaldehyde from the air, making them a great choice for improving indoor air quality.
Philodendron selloum
Philodendron selloum is a popular indoor plant species that is renowned for thriving in low sunlight. It has also been found to be effective in reducing formaldehyde from the air.
Phoenix roebelenii – Pygmy Date Palm
Phoenix roebelenii is a mini-sized variety of a date palm and is native to south-eastern Asia. The Pygmy Date Palm is also a powerful air purifier, specifically for chemicals such as formaldehyde, xylene and toluene.
Rhapis excelsa – Lady Palm
Lady Palm, also known as Rhapis Excelsa, is a beautiful plant that thrives in various temperatures and lighting conditions. It effectively filters formaldehyde, xylene, ammonia, and carbon dioxide from the air, making it a valuable addition to any indoor space.
Conclusion
Indoor plants can be an amazing addition to any home. They can create a beautiful backdrop and with these varieties, purify the air in your home and improve your family’s living environment.
By incorporating air-purifying plants into your space, you can reduce the effects of harmful toxins and improve indoor air quality.
Learn how to use plant nutrients from rubbish you have at home to get the best out of your Indoor Plants.
Or check out some of the best gardening websites in the world.