Studies from prestigious schools and universities and even NASA themselves have conducted a study on indoor plants abilities to clean air. It is confirmed that they indeed do, they do not only convert carbon dioxide to oxygen but also filter out organic toxins or volatile organic compounds(VOCs).
The thing is you can always improve the air quality of your home space. You could have your vents cleaned or fixed, perhaps you need to buy another ventilation system. A small ecosystem of plants greatly helps liven up and freshen up any living space. They add natural beauty or organic visual interests instantly and effortlessly. Well the actual care and research for potting and plant care takes a good deal of effort though, but just like doing your own spring cleaning and caring for your own pet, plant care is worth it to do yourself. It teaches responsibility and appreciation for fragile yet generous living things.
Plant life, besides the process of photosynthesis, they perform something called phytoremediation. The process in which plants absorb the harmful fumes and other organic volatile compounds therefore cleaning out the water, soil and air around it through leaf pores and their roots.
It is amazing how plants can stay alive and green even in polluted airs as long as they get air, sunlight and some rain. Plants filter out benzene, formaldehyde, ethylene glycol, methylene chloride, xylene, touline and many others. These compounds pose health risks and are carcinogenic as well. Cell health quality, immunity, nervous and respiratory can be affected when overexposed to these chemicals.
Most leafy plants rid of VOCs but these popular indoor plants do it very well and even reduce some chemicals to up to 85% in 24 hours. Some Japanese royal ferns, spider plants, Boston ferns, purple waffle plants, English ivy, areca palms, golden pothos, aloe vera, snake plants, clairy plant, Chinese evergreen, eucalyptus, chrysanthemum, African violets and peace lilies.
A lot of these plants remove benzene and formaldehyde in the air but philodendrons are best at removing airborne formaldehyde while flowering like chrysanthemum are successful at removing benzene. Spider plant is great for greatly reducing carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxide trapped in a room. All these plants make a great addition to your home whether your home is heftily decorated or minimal.