Given that people spend more than 90 percent of their time indoors, air quality matters . Furnishings, upholstery, synthetic building materials, and cleaning products in homes and offices can emit a variety of toxic compounds, like formaldehyde. Indoor air pollution can also be caused by pollen, bacteria, and molds, as outdoor air contaminants like car exhaust finds its way into buildings. All of these are made worse in small or poorly-ventilated spaces. Many people turn to room air fresheners but did you know that 99% of these air fresheners contain toxic ingredients linked to respiratory disease, cancer, and hormonal disruptions?
Instead, add these seven household plants that NASA scientists have discovered help remove toxins and purify air to your home for a safer, cleaner atmosphere.
GARDEN MUM
In the NASA research, this plant was an air-purifying champion, removing ammonia, benzene, formaldehyde, and xylene from indoor air. Popular and inexpensive at garden stores, they can be planted outside after they’re finished blooming.
Pollutants removed: ammonia, benzene, formaldehyde, and xylene
SPIDER PLANT
Spider plants are among the easiest houseplants to grow, making them a great choice for beginners or forgetful owners. A fan of bright, indirect sunlight, spider plants will send out shoots with flowers that eventually grow into baby spider plants or spiderettes.
Pollutants removed: formaldehyde and xylene
FICUS/WEEPING FIG
This plant has some serious air-cleaning abilities and can also be taken outside in late spring and brought back indoors when temperatures are warm and well above freezing.
Pollutants removed: benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene
ALOE VERA
In addition to being easy to care for, aloe makes some serious health claims. The plant’s leaves contain a clear liquid full of vitamins, enzymes, amino acids, and other compounds that have wound-healing, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties, and there is some evidence that aloe may help (and is unlikely to hurt) skin conditions like psoriasis .
Pollutant removed: formaldehyde
