Want Cleaner and Purer Air? Try Air-Cleaning Plants, NASA SaysElizabeth Renter Theyve found several common houseplant varieties can essentially clean the air of certain chemicals. They tested a variety of plants to see which was best at removing carcinogens like trichloroethylene, formaldehyde, and benzene. But, these chemicals arent in my homeyou might be thinking. And you would be wrong. Cleansing the air with Air-Cleaning Plants According to the NY Times: Formaldehyde is commonly found in drapes, glues and coating products. Benzene is a component of paint supplies and tobacco smoke, and trichloroethylene is used in adhesives, spot removers and other household products. And with asbestos, formaldehyde, and other VOCs leaching off every wall of our home, its no surprise that indoor pollution may be causing 50% of illnesses worldwide. Taken from NASAs Interior Landscape Plants for Indoor Air Pollutant Abatement report, it reads: Another promising approach to further reducing trace levels of air pollutants in side future space habitats is the use of higher plants and their associated soil microorganisms. (28-29) Since mans existence on Earth depends upon a life support system involving an intricate relationship with plants and their associated microorganisms, it should be obvious that when he attempts to isolate himself in tightly sealed buildings away from this ecological system, problems will arise In this study the leaves, roots, soil, and associated microorganisms of plants have been evaluated as a possible means of reducing indoor air pollutants. Additionally, a novel approach of using plants stems for removing high concentrations of indoor air pollutants such as cigarette smoke, organic solvents, and possibly radon has been designed from this work. The plants found to be most effective at purifying the air include: Dr. Clifford W. Bassett, of New York Universitys School of Medicine says that one plant for every 100 square feet of your home is a good rule of thumb. Rather than spending several hundred dollars on air purifiers and humidifiers, you can spend a few dollars on a plant and some dirt for the same or even better effects. And of course there are other air purifying plants you can use as well: Its nearly impossible to get completely away from air pollution. Even if you move to a cave in the mountains, your fire and the smog from nearby areas would reach you. But, if you can decorate your house with air-cleaning plants, you can at least minimize their presence in your most sacred of spaces. While some insist on moving toward genetically modified plants that produce pharmaceuticals, the rest of us simply want to embrace the natural cleansing capabilities of nature. Additional Sources: Explore More: This article first appeared at Natural Society, an excellent resource for health news and vaccine information. 