Indoor House Plants Can Actually Improve Your Health

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Sherrie Le Masurier

Sherrie Le Masurier is an organizing consultant, author, columnist, and co-owner of www.teen-bedrooms.com, www.decorating-kids-rooms.net, as well as...

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Did you know it takes only one or two good sized indoor plants to purify the air in the average sized room?

The more house plants you have in your home the better. You see our home are feel of indoor pollutants like formaldehyde, benzene and trichloroethylene.

Formaldehyde
Is commonly found in particleboard and pressed wood products as well as in water repellents, fire retardants, natural gas and kerosene. It also known to be a component in cigarette smoke. Side effects of expose to Formaldehyde include eye, nose and throat irritation. You may also experience headaches or skin rashes.

Benzene
Most products containing inks, oils, or paints or made of plastic or rubber contain Bensene. Like the side effects from Formaldehyde, Benzene exposure will irritate your eyes. Prolonged exposure to Benzene has been known to cause headaches, drowsiness and in some people, loss of appetite.

Trichloroethylene
Paints and varnishes are two of the most common sources of Trichloroethylene in your home. It is considered a carcinogen.

The above chemicals and other nasty pollutants are also commonly found in carpeting, cleansers, perfume and even in furniture and appliances.

The concern is that too much air pollution in your home will have an negative effect on your health.

So get smart and get some houseplants. The best natural air filter there is is a good hearty indoor plant. Houseplants are highly effective since they naturally above the majority of the above mentioned indoor pollutants.

Some of my top picks for indoor house plants include: Spider Plant, Peace Lily, English Ivy, Ficus and Philodendron.

You will need at least one large houseplant for every 100 square feet of living space. Using a variety of indoor plants is good because your home will have many different kinds of toxins and one type of houseplant can’t purify all pollutants.