House
plants
make people feel calmer and
more optimistic, says Bruno Cortis, M.D.,
a Chicago cardiologist. Interestingly, he
says that studies have shown that hospital
patients who face a window with a garden
view recovered more quickly than those who had to look at a wall. |
According
to
a
University of Agriculture
in Norway study, indoor plants can
reduce fatigue, coughs, sore throats
and other cold-related illnesses by
more than 30 percent, partially by increasing humidity levels and
decreasing dust. |
The good news is that a
classic NASA study found that common house
plants could improve air quality. In fact, they reported that
houseplants
were able to remove up to 87 percent of air toxins in 24 hours.
The recommendation?
Use 15 to 18 "good-sized" house plants in 6- to 8-inch diameter
containers for an 1,800
square-foot house.
Plants can remove a
variety of toxic air emissions including ammonia, formaldehyde,
carbon monoxide, benzene,
xylene and trichloroethytene. See the box
above for
some of the best plant
varieties to choose, and remember-the healthier the plant, the more
purifying it will be.
|
Top 9
Air Purifying Plants
The following plants are most effective in removing potentially
harmful chemicals-including those in paints, varnishes, dry cleaning
fluids,
car exhaust fumes and tobacco smoke-from the air in your home.
Dragon tree
Ivy
Ficus
Philodendrons
Spider plants
Peace lilies
Ferns
Chrysanthemums
Palms
|