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plants for indoor air qualityEarth Day coming up this weekend on April 22, and ways to keep our air clean and pure are top of mind right now.  Earth Day started as a grassroots movement that ultimately led to both the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the passage of the Clean Air Act, plus several other important environmental laws.  

When you think of clean air, your first thought is usually of keeping the skies clear of the smog and haze that covers some busy cities. However, it’s also important to keep the air inside your home as unpolluted as possible to avoid a wide array of health risks that can arise.

Air Purifying Plants for Your Home

The products you use throughout your daily life can be taking a toll on the air quality in your home, especially some of the products you use to give your home a deep cleaning. For example, ammonia, which is found in many cleaning products is a known irritant to the eyes and throat. There’s also benzene, used in many detergents, which can cause frequent headaches. Plus, painting the walls or installing new carpets can also release air-polluting chemicals.

Recent studies reveal a simple way to improve your indoor air quality: house plants. Visit your local nursery and pick up any of these options to naturally purify the air inside your home:

English Ivy. The English Ivy has dense leaves that absorb formaldehyde, which is one of the most prevalent indoor air pollutant. It can also thrive in rooms with little sunlight and small spaces.

Bamboo Palm. Bamboo Palms are effective at removing chemical contaminants like formaldehyde and benzene. Plus, they keep the air moist during the drier winter months.

Peace Lily. The Peace Lily helps clear the air of benzene and can also absorb acetone that gets emitted by electronics, cleaners and adhesives. Just be careful if you have pets, as the Peace Lily is poisonous to your four-legged friends.

Snake Plant. These plants are great at producing oxygen and reducing carbon dioxide levels in the home. Plus, they are hardy and easy to grow for those without a green thumb. Like the Peace Lily, though, the Snake Plant is also toxic to pets.

Florist’s Chrysanthemum. This bright, blooming plant can eliminate a variety of chemical compounds from the air, but it does need a nice, sunny spot to thrive.

Tulips. Everyone loves tulips, one of the most popular springtime flowers. However, these beauties are also great at removing unwanted chemicals from the air like formaldehyde, ammonia and benzene.

Wax Begonia. These plants can help filter out chemicals produced by toluene, a liquid found in some waxes and adhesives. When placed in bright sunlight, you’ll also enjoy pretty red, pink or white clusters of flowers during the summer months.

These are just a few of the common air purifying plants that are simple, inexpensive and effective options for improving the indoor air quality in your home.

Have more questions about improving the indoor air quality of your home? We’re here to help! If you’re in the greater Cleveland area, contact our team of professionals today! Or, give us a call at 216-663-6462.