That list can look pretty scary. And if your home isn’t well ventilated, you could experience some health problems. Respiratory conditions, allergies, and more can all make it difficult to breathe and lead to further, potentially more threatening conditions.
There is, however, a practical and useful way to fight back: houseplants. In 1989, NASA researchers released a study indicating that houseplants could fight back hard and eliminate the airborne chemicals listed above. These natural air purifiers could be the perfect tool to keep the air in your home fresh, breathable, and safe.
Some of the houseplants that can have significant benefits include:
- Snake Plant (aka Mother-in-Law’s Tongue)
- English Ivy
- Peace Lily
- Spider Plant
- Golden Pothos (aka Devil’s Ivy)
- Dragon Tree
- Chinese Evergreen
- Chrysanthemums
Most of these plants can grow and thrive with little work, varying temperatures, and little exposure to direct sunlight. Of course, they all have slightly different maintenance protocols, but you can learn them once you buy. It’s also important to consider which type(s) to get, because some can be toxic to pets. A few can also make humans feel ill, but only if swallowed or hands aren’t washed after touching.
NASA outlines that to get maximum air purification, having two or three eight-to-ten-inch pots every 100 square feet is recommended. And it’s possible that in addition to making the air cleaner, the plant life may also promote better mood, energy levels, and memory, while working to reduce fatigue.