How many plants does it take to suck up this pollution? According to NASA, 15 to 20 houseplants from the list of those tested will purify the interior of a typical 1,800 square foot house. That’s a lotta plants! But even if you can’t see yourself plant-sitting for that many, it stands to reason that any amount would do some good.
Below is a list of pollutant sources and plants that “eat” those pollutants.
Formaldehyde is found in virtually all indoor environments: Office or household furniture made of particle board or pressed wood products, consumer paper products: grocery bags, paper towels, facial tissues, adhesive binders in floor covering, carpet backing, many common household cleaning agents, natural gas stoves, kerosene, tobacco smoke, permanent-press clothes, water repellent, fire retardants, foam insulation.
Plant Solutions for formaldehyde: Azalea, Chrysanthemum, Golden Pothos, Dracaena, Bamboo Palm, Sanseveria, Dieffenbachia, Philodendron, Spider Plant, English ivy
Benzene is used in: commonly used solvents, oils, paints, plastics, rubber, dyes, synthetic fibers, inks
Plant Solutions for Benzene: Dracaena, Spathiphyllum (peace lily)
Trichloroethylene is used by the metal degreasing and dry-cleaning industry and is also found in: printing inks, paints, varnishes, adhesives, lacquers
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