Seven House Plants to Reduce Allergy Costs
Many allergy-like conditions may actually be triggered by poor air quality in the home. FEMA reports that chemical irritants, such as formaldehyde, found in furniture, carpet, flooring, oil-based paint, can cause sinus trouble, burning eyes and throat, and respiratory infections. And without good ventilation and temperature control, these pollutants, along with mold and bacteria, increase in volume, especially as summertime humidity rises.
But the good news is that it won't cost much to protect your home air quality and prevent related health costs.
Kiplinger's Retirement Report identitifies several house plants that clean indoor air, (backed by NASA's Clean Air Study). They're relatively inexpensive, last forever (with a little TLC), green your home and even add appeal. Here's a quick list with links to relevant studies and care information. For more ways to detoxify your home see: Sweep Your House Clean of Toxins
Plant care
Fig Trees / Ficus: Reduces formaldehyde and xylene from the air. .
Plant care
English Ivy: helps to tackle the air-pollution impact of petroleum-based products and mold. (Read this study.)
Plant care
Mums (chrysanthemums): Removes formaldehyde, xylene, benzene and ammonia.
Plant care
Chinese Evergreen:: Removes formaldehyde, benzene and toxins from the surrounding atmosphere.
Plant care
Bamboo Palm: A good remover of formaldehyde, chloroform, xylene, ammonia, benzene, toluene and trichloroethylene from the atmosphere.
Plant care
Lilies: The peace lily is an especially good air purifier.Removes formaldehyde, benzene, toulene. ethyl and methyl alcohol, acetone, xylene, ammonia, trichlorothylene and ethyl acetate from the air.
Plant care
Photo credits: All photos are republished under GNU Free License
WHAT ABOUT GREENING YOUR OUTDOORS?
We've also got some tips to save money on your outdoor ares too:
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