Indoor air pollution is one of the most dangerous threats in your home. It mostly affects children who spend major part of the day at home. Indoor air toxicity is two times more dangerous than outdoor pollution, and it often causes asthma, headache, allergies, hormone imbalance and other health problems.

It may come as a surprise to you, but the things that are commonly found in each home affect the air you breathe, and we have listed some of them:

• cleaning products
• makeup
• carpets
• synthetic fragrances
• smoking
• dust
• mold
• dry cleaned clothes
• furniture
• paints
• computers

These pollutants release dangerous chemicals and gasses. But, the good news is that you can control the pollution inside your home and improve the air quality.

Certain plants can help you refresh your home. Many NASA studies have confirmed that having ample plants in your house can improve the air quality up to 85%. At the end of the 1980s, NASA was looking for the best plants that would efficiently purify the air in their own space facilities.

Their study involved 15 plants and they examined their efficacy to eliminate three common indoor pollutants -- benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene

These plants filter the air and remove formaldehyde, benzene, carbon monoxide and trichloroethylene. Almost every home contains these substances, so you may want to take into consideration having some of these plants in your home:

Areca Palm

Areca palm is one of the most popular air-purifying plants. It can be grown inside homes, and it moisturizes air. Areca palm is one of the most efficient houseplants when it comes to removing indoor toxins. This plant removes CO2, and turns it into oxygen. Four shoulder-high plants are enough for one person. Do not forget to clean the leaves every day.

Mother-in-law’s Tongue

Snake plant or Mother-in-law’s Tongue is also effective in purifying air. Many call it “the bedroom plant,” because it turns CO2 into oxygen during the night. It filters formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene, toluene, and benzene found in air. Six to eight waist-high plants are enough for one person.

Gerbera Jamesonii (Gerbera Daisy)

Gerbera Daisy is a decorative houseplant. Its air-purifying properties are amazing. It removes benzene and trichloroethylene. Same as Mother-in-law’s Tongue, it releases oxygen during the night, and you can breathe and sleep better. Gerbera Daisy is great if you have asthma.

NASA recommends that you have 15 plants in a 2,000 square-foot home. In addition to these plants, you still have to do something to reduce the toxic chemicals that you have at home.

Source: livingtraditionally.com