If the first part of this post, Can You Really Grow Fresh Air: Or, Should you Buy it in a Can? has your spouse in a frenzy because you have unwittingly turned your home into a greenhouse, it may be helpful to know a bit more detail on exactly what you are removing and how easy it is to create fresh air in your home. But, what if I told you there were 3 common plants you can grow indoors to supply ALL of your oxygen needs? Don’t believe me, watch for yourself here (it just may be a life saving 4 minute investment of your time):
For example, Philodendron, Spider Plant and the Golden Pothos were labeled the most effective in removing formaldehyde molecules. Why is it important to remove formaldehyde and benzene from your home? For starters, formaldehyde (yes, the same as in the frog experiment from your science class) is a ubiquitous chemical found in virtually all indoor environments. Some formaldehyde sources in the home include: older carpeting, cleaners, foam insulation, furniture, paper products, plywood and particle board. The major sources which have been reported and publicized include urea-formaldehyde foam insulation (UFFI) and particle board or pressed wood products used in manufacturing of inexpensive, veneered furniture sold today. Formaldehyde is used in consumer paper products which have been treated with UF resins, including grocery bags, waxed papers, facial tissues and paper towels. Even many common cleaning agents contain formaldehyde! UF resins are used as stiffeners, wrinkle resisters, water repellents, fire retardants and adhesive binders in floor coverings, carpet backings and permanent-press clothes. Other sources of formaldehyde include heating and cooking fuels like natural gas, kerosene, and cigarette smoke.
Now that you know where it is, why do you want to avoid it? For one, formaldehyde irritates the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose and throat (ie: that new home smell)! It is also a highly reactive chemical which combines with protein and can cause allergic contact dermatitis. The most widely reported symptoms from exposure to high levels of this chemical include irritation of the eyes and headaches. Until recently, the most serious of the diseases attributed to formaldehyde exposure was asthma. However, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recently conducted research which has caused formaldehyde to be strongly suspected of causing a rare type of throat cancer in long-term occupants of mobile homes.
And what about the next chemical, benzene? Benzene is a very commonly used solvent. Here are some sources of benzene in your home or office: inks and dyes; petroleum products like gasoline & oils; plastics; rubber products; synthetic fibers; tobacco smoke; detergents; paints and it is also used in the manufacture of detergents, explosives, pharmaceuticals, and dyes.
Benzene has long been known to irritate the skin and eyes. Chronic exposure to even relatively low levels causes headaches, loss of appetite, drowsiness, nervousness, psychological disturbances and diseases of the blood system, including anemia and bone marrow diseases. Evidence also exists that benzene can contribute to leukemia in humans. Repeated skin contact with benzene will cause drying, inflammation, blistering and dermatitis. So, what happens if you breathe it in on a daily basis? Acute inhalation of high levels of benzene has been reported to cause dizziness, weakness, euphoria, headache, nausea, blurred vision, respiratory diseases, tremors, irregular heartbeat, liver and kidney damage, paralysis and unconsciousness. In animal, tests inhalation of benzene led to cataract formation and diseases of the blood and lymphatic systems. Yikes! This is starting to sound like a pharmecuetal commercial!
But speaking of medicine, the Aloe Vera plant is also known as “medicine plant.” Many people already have one in a bright kitchen window because of the soothing, healing properties on burns, bites and skin irritations (yes, that cool, green gel)! It evolved in tropical or sub-tropical forests, where they received light filtered through the branches of taller trees. Because of this, their leaf composition allows them to photosynthesize efficiently under relatively low light conditions, which is perfect in a bathroom, bedroom or office! This in turn allows them to process gasses in the air efficiently through openings in the leaves called Stomata. If color is more your thing, you’ll be pleased to know that of the NASA plants studied, two were flowering plants; chrysanthemums and gerbera daisies. These were rated superior in removing benzene from the chamber atmosphere.
Get ready for the next post, Part III:
Can You Really Grow Fresh Air: How Green Outside Saves Green Inside!
As a feng shui consultan, healthy-home practitioner,and landscape architect, I whole-heartedly agree with these findings, and applaud you for preparing such a great article for everyone to use. Sometimes, people feel helpless and hopeless regarding making big changes in the world. But this simple step in each of our homes can collectively change the world, while also adding beauty and vital “living energy” to it. Let’s change the world’s atmosphere, one plant at a time!
Thank you Karen! It’s nice to meet you and we appreciate your feedback– especially coming from someone with a background in both feng shui and landscape architecture. It is true…it all starts with one small change. I think that is the real lesson here. Baby steps! No one should feel overwhelmed by thinking they can’t do it all…no one can 🙂 But, we can all do something. Instead of giving or receiving disposable gifts, let’s think about gifts that last and give back. Plants are a great example of this (they make great housewarming, birthday & wedding gifts). Or, why not gift yourself with one? Trek down to your local farmers market this weekend and treat yourself to a beautiful plant instead of a latte’. And, as you say, we CAN make an impact…’one plant at a time!’
Great information. We have all new cabinets in the kitchen, laundry and baths. Everyone in the house has headaches and my teenage asthma is occurring, I’m now 45. WE are going to attempt to have them replaced, but if that is not possible we will try you plants!
thank you.
Sorry to hear about the health ailments with your family from your new cabinets! We love Executive Cabinetry! They use all water based adhesives + finishes: http://www.executivecabinetry.com/ o harmful VOC’s. Good luck w/ the plants and keep us posted.
It’s been a few days with all the doors wide open, thank goodness no intruders! I added spider plants and a product named “The Gonzo” from Home Depot seems to be working. Gonzo are lava rocks? They absorb odors without covering up.
Thanks for the update Spencer! And, yes…thank goodness no intruders!! We definitely advise using zeolite (which is what the Gonzo product is) volcanic rocks to naturally absorb toxins + odors. In fact, zeolite is a component in the Austin Air purifiers (carbon/zeolite blend) that we recommend. Hopefully, you’ll be breathing a sigh of relief soon!
It’s been 4-5 days and wow the Zeolite works so well in combination with the Austin purifiers and a few spider plants. The smell is gone! – Thank you Ron and Lisa!
Excellent news Spencer! Truly music to our ears 🙂 Thanks for the update.