A silent but potentially deadly threat to overall well-being is indoor air quality. Since people mostly sleep, eat and work indoors, it is important to limit the presence of harmful chemicals in these environments, thereby effectively limiting the health problems they can cause.
One group of these chemicals, known as volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, is abundant in most indoor spaces, mainly because of their presence in consumer products, as well as in building materials and other mass-produced items.
VOCs are unique in that they vaporize at room temperature. That is why the bathroom smells a certain way after it has been cleaned, or why it is always easy to tell when a room has been freshly painted.
The impacts of VOCs
Overexposure can show up as dizziness, light-headedness, headache, loss of vision or coordination, or even impaired memory. But the long-term effects can be damage to the liver, kidneys and central nervous system, and possibly even cancer.
And that is without mentioning their negative effect on the environment. Limiting the presence of these chemicals is a matter not only of environmental protection but also of public health. These chemicals can pollute marine environments, and many are greenhouse gases, contributing to the rise in global temperature.
The best way to limit exposure is to eliminate the presence of these compounds in the home by using natural products, or by making sure that areas where concentrations may be high are well ventilated. But even when every measure has been taken, it is almost impossible to completely eliminate these airborne chemicals. Still, it is possible to actively remove them from the home, and that requires a pollutant mitigation strategy assisted by a few unexpected friends.
Plants that absorb VOCs
Some plants are particularly effective at absorbing harmful toxins from the air. It has long been known that plants turn carbon dioxide into oxygen, providing clean air for other life forms to breathe, but this ability to painlessly store harmful chemicals is something we are only just beginning to understand.
That does not mean that placing these plants will remove all VOCs from the home. It remains important to take every safety precaution, and it is especially important to install a smart indoor air quality monitor to measure concentrations and keep them from reaching levels that can cause health problems.
But these plants can still work wonders for improving indoor air quality. Most can be grown at any temperature and require little or no maintenance.
Here are some of the most effective plants against toxins:
The areca palm
Also called the "butterfly palm," this plant has been found to remove more xylene and toluene from the air than any other plant. It is a relatively easy plant to care for, needing little water and minimal light, although it likes a humid environment. It is decorative, but also effective at removing harmful toxins from the air.
Bamboo palm
Named for its resemblance to the famous bamboo, the bamboo palm is known to be particularly effective at removing formaldehyde, one of the most common VOCs, from the air. It has also been shown to reduce benzene concentrations. These plants also give off water vapor, which humidifies the room and makes it easier to regulate the temperature in an energy-efficient way.
Rubber plant
An excellent plant to grow at any temperature, the rubber plant has also been found effective at removing formaldehyde from the air, making it an easy-care option for pollutant removal.
Dracaena "Janet Craig"
This particular plant has been rated for its very high removal efficiency. It is known as one of the best plants for cleaning trichloroethylene (TCE) from the air. But it is also known to remove about 78% of the benzene in the air within 24 hours.
Spathiphyllum (peace lily)
This is another good option when looking for plants to purify and clean the air. The peace lily is known to remove organic toxins such as alcohols, acetone, benzene, TCE and formaldehyde. And because it also gives off water vapor, it helps keep the air humid and easy to breathe.
There are many other plants that can help reduce VOC concentrations in the home and improve air quality. But these are among the most effective and easiest to care for. Placing them around the home can help significantly improve air quality and overall health.
For more information on VOCs, here are some additional resources:
- List of common volatile organic compounds. Aromatic hydrocarbons are everywhere. Know which VOCs are the most common and where they come from in order to keep concentrations low.
- Organic chemicals: VOCs in paint. Paint is one of the most common sources of toxic chemicals. Learn more about how to avoid exposure.
- Volatile organic compounds in cigarette smoke. As one of the biggest health hazards, it is no surprise that cigarette smoke contains high concentrations of harmful chemicals.