Toxic chemicals are hiding in your house dust
Photos: Healthy houseplants
According to a study by chemistry professor Vadoud Niri and his team at State University of New York at Oswego, houseplants are a good way to absorb volatile chemical compounds in the air. These compounds, commonly found in paints, furniture, printers, cleaning supplies and even dry-cleaned clothes, can have adverse health effects. Some plants are more effective in absorbing certain chemicals than others; crassula argentea (jade plant) is very good at absorbing toluene, emitted by cars, gasoline, kerosene, heating oil, paints and lacquers.
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Photos: Healthy houseplants
Spider plant – Chlorophytum comosum, a kind of spider plant, can take up more than 90% of o-Xylene, found in fuels, and p-Xylene, found in plastic and rubber products. Smokers may also want to keep this plant around: Over a few days, it can absorb 90% of formaldehyde and carbon monoxide, ingredients of cigarette smoke.
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Photos: Healthy houseplants
Bromeliads – These bromeliads can liven up your house with a hint of red, but they are also great air purifiers when it comes to benzene. The plant can absorb more than 90% of the chemical, which you can find in glue, paint, furniture wax and detergent. You may also breathe it in if you live near gas stations, hazardous waste sites or industrial facilities.
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Photos: Healthy houseplants
Caribbean tree cactus – The Caribbean tree cactus can absorb 80% of ethylbenzene in the air. The toxic chemical can be found in items such as construction materials, electronic products, food packaging, furniture, garden care products and even toys.
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Photos: Healthy houseplants
Dracaena – Consider decorating with dracaena plants, which can absorb more than 90% of acetone. It's found in common products such as nail polish remover or household cleaners. Living near a busy road or a facility that manufactures paints, plastics, chemicals, artificial fibers and shoes would also increase your risk of breathing in the toxic gas.
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