House plants can certainly benefit your Columbus home with a touch of decorative beauty, but concerned homeowners may wonder about additional benefits provided by certain plant varieties. Plants can contribute to better indoor air quality levels as they filter dangerous toxins from the environment. From construction products to office supplies, materials found in your home can be sources of a variety of airborne pollutants that could pose health risks. Plants can play a natural role in counteracting these materials.
Using Plants for Air Purification
Government reports note that one of the most obvious uses of houseplants for air purification is the exchange of oxygen for carbon dioxide that occurs with photosynthesis. However, certain plants may also filter additional toxic materials from the air. In some cases, the materials are metabolized with safe byproducts being emitted. In other cases, the toxic materials are held in plant tissues, keeping them out of your air supply. Consider some of the following plants for eliminating dangerous pollutants from your air:
- Dracaena – removes xylene, toluene, and formaldehyde
- Golden pothos – removes carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, and benzene
- Chrysanthemum – removes benzene, xylene, formaldehyde, and ammonia
- Areca palm – removes trichloroethylene, xylene, and carbon monoxide
- Peace lily – removes ammonia, formaldehyde, and xylene
Mechanical Solutions for Indoor Air Quality
While plants provide a natural approach to air purification, technology provides a targeted approach to keeping your indoor air supply clean. Germicidal air purifiers are particularly valuable for those who are vulnerable to illness because of viruses, bacteria, or molds. A germicidal purifier traps and kills such contaminants, contributing to healthier conditions throughout the year.
Managing Your Home’s Air Quality
Because purification is just one facet of IAQ management, it is helpful to work with a reputable HVAC professional to evaluate issues such as ventilation and humidity in addition to purification solutions. Check out Watley Heating & Air Conditioning’s indoor air quality services online or by calling us at 706-561-6718.
