Fresh Air

   Natures Air Cleaner

              Houseplants absorb air (carbon dioxides and other air pollutants) and water through their root system which then filter up through the stem and out through the leaves, producing fresh clean oxygen.  Plants were an essential component of the evolutionary process that converted the earth from a highly toxic environment into the life supporting ecosystem it is today. Therefore, the concept of using plants to create a healthy ecosystem with an indoor environment has a historical and scientific basis.

                  One of the researches for resolving environmental problems by using houseplants for indoor air purification and revitalization preformed by NASA and ALCA,  finds houseplants are a very effective pollution absorbing device that revitalizes air with fresh oxygen. They also found houseplants provide a way to combat "Sick Building Syndrome" by removing 50-60% of airborne molds and bacteria. NASA concluded that plants are so absorbent that they will be used in future space stations.

                 Studies show that the indoor air of most office buildings is up to 10 times more polluted than outdoor air. Besides removing dust and replenishing fresh air in the workplace, EPA studies conducted over the last 25 years have shown measurable levels of over 107 VOC'S (Volatile Organic Compounds) in modern offices. The switch from open windows to energy efficient living and working conditions has caused a rise in known cancer causing chemicals. In extreme cases, some buildings have such high levels of contaminants, that exposure to them results in multiple symptoms of sickness exhibited by the inhabitants who try to use them. The fact that concerns scientists and doctors is the unknown effects that could occur with low dosages of these cancer causing VOC'S. Sick building syndrome can develop into a serious liability when common microorganism and toxins become concentrated within sealed office buildings.  Other research has shown a decrease in ailments after the introduction of Houseplants. Fatigue 20%, Headache 45%, sore/dry throat 30%, coughs 40%, dry facial skin 25%, and general well being 84%.

 Some Filtered Chemicals

    Trichloroethylene       TCE found in print inks, paints, lacquers, varnishes, and adhesives. Potential liver carcinogen.

    Benzene                      Found in gasoline, ink, oils, paints, plastics, and rubber. Known to irritate the skin and eyes. Mutagenic to bacterial cell culture. Chronic exposures to even low levels cause headaches, loss of appetite, drowsiness, nervousness, psychological disturbances, and diseases of the blood system, including anemia and bone marrow diseases.

    Formaldehyde             Found in all indoor environments. Foam insulation, particle board or pressed wood like found in office furniture. also includes paper bags, waxed paper, facial tissue, paper towels, cleaning agents, carpet backing, heating and cooking fuels. It irritates the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, and throat.  Formaldehyde combined with protein can cause allergic contact dermatitis and rare types of throat cancer. 

EHouseplants.com
For those who love houseplants

[ Home ] [ Up ]

Send mail to EHouseplants@aol.com with questions or comments about this web site.
Copyright © 2005 EHouseplants.com
Last modified: 11/17/09