We often think about the air and water pollution outside, so when trying to stay away from contaminated air, we stay at home. However, indoor air pollution is more serious than we think. Because most of our life is occuring inside, it is even more dangerous than outside pollution.
To avoid pollution, we often try not to inhale traffic fumes, keep away from chemical plants and building sites and wear a mask when cycling. It is enough to make you want to stay at home. However, according to research, the levels of pollutants such as hazardous gases, particulate matter and other chemical “nasties” are usually higher indoors than out, even in the most polluted cities.
Two environmental engineers, Richard Corsi and Cynthia Howard-Reed of the University of Taxas in Austin, suggested that it is the process of keeping clean that may be making indoor pollution worse. The researchers found that baths, showers, dishwashers and washing machines can all be significant sources of indoor pollution because they extract trace amounts of chemicals from the water that they use and transfer them to the air.
Overcrowded classrooms where ventilation systems were designed for smaller numbers of children frequently contain levels of CO2 that would be regarded as unacceptable on-board a submarine. New car smell is also the result of levels of toxic chemicals. Laser printers, computers, carpets and paints all contribute to noxious indoor mix.
To prevent health problems from indoor pollution, we often do what we can – we plug in humidifiers, dehumidifiers, purifiers and ionizers and we use air filters on air conditioners and heaters. However, our homes are still not healthy.
Altough indoor pollution seems hard to escape, it is easy to solve this problem with some plants.
Here are some examples of items containing formaldehyde along with the antidote plants.
foam insulation (mostly in older homes)– chrysanthemum
plywood — azalea
particle board — dieffenbachia
carpeting — philodendron
furniture– spider plant
clothes — golden pothos
paper goods — bamboo palm
household cleaners — corn plant
water repellents — mother-in-law tongue
Benzene is another offender. Here are the cures for various offenders:
synthetic fibers — chrysanthemum
plastics — Gerbera daisy
tobacco smoke — peace lily
detergents — English ivy
Circulating air via a fan, opening a window or using an air conditioner helps get these toxins moving so the plants can absorb them.