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<< Previous   of   Next >>   ADVERTISEMENT   CONTACT THE HERALD Melanie Munk, Features Editor munk@heraldnet.com   Published: Tuesday, November 13, 2007 Houseplants can help remove indoor toxins By Dr. Eizabeth Smoots Herald Columnist Several years ago, my husband and I grew four large Boston ferns in hanging baskets inside our home. The beautiful, lush green plants created a calming mood. And though the ferns have a finicky reputation, they seemed to do well in our humble abode. Now we plan to remodel our house. I'd like to begin growing more plants again to help filter out airborne toxins from the building materials. As it turns out, houseplants offer a simple and effective way to reduce indoor air pollution that is above and beyond their natural beauty and psychological value. Home toxins and health Hundreds of synthetic chemicals are released by furniture, carpets, building materials and cleaners in the home. The tightly sealed construction of modern homes tends to trap these chemicals inside. This type of off-gassing has been linked to nose and throat irritation, allergies, asthma, fatigue, headache, chemical hypersensitivity and cancer. "Indoor air pollution is now considered to be one of the major threats to health," says B.C. "Bill" Wolverton, a retired NASA scientist who has done extensive research on the air quality of everything from space stations to offices to homes. "Indoor air pollution may pose an even greater threat than outdoor pollution -- primarily because of the greater length of exposure," he says. Plants detoxify the air Wolverton made an important discovery during his years of research: The data he collected showed that growing plants indoors is the most efficient and cost-effective way to remove common indoor pollutants. Experiments conducted by Wolverton and other scientists have led to an understanding of how plants perform this bit of magic. There are two complementary pathways. In the first, plant leaves take up certain toxic compounds and break them down into smaller nontoxic units that provide nutrition for the plant. In the second alternative, as plants lose water vapor from their leaves, they pull air down around their roots. Bacteria and other microbes in the soil then remove the toxic chemicals from the air and use them for food and energy. Choosing houseplants Wolverton's research eventually led to his publication of a classic and very useful book. It's called "How to Grow Fresh Air: 50 Houseplants That Purify Your Home or Office." In this book, Wolverton describes and ranks 50 green and flowering houseplants based on their ease of growth and ability to remove indoor toxins. Here are some common household pollutants and the best plants to use: Formaldehyde: Released by permanent-press clothing, draperies, upholstery, facial tissues, paper towels, grocery bags, gas stoves, floor coverings, particleboard, plywood, adhesives, caulking agents, paints, stains and varnishes. Removed by Boston fern, chrysanthemum, Gerbera daisy, dwarf date palm, Janet Craig, bamboo palm, Kimberley queen fern, rubber plant, English ivy and weeping fig. Xylene and toluene: Released by human breath, computer screens, photocopiers, printers, floor and wall coverings, particleboard, caulking compounds, adhesives, paints, stains and varnishes. Removed by areca palm, dwarf date palm, moth orchid, dumb cane and dragon tree. Benzene: Released by tobacco smoke, printers, photocopiers, floor and wall coverings, particleboard, caulking compounds, adhesives, paints, stains and varnishes. Removed by Gerbera daisy, chrysanthemum, spider plant and peace lily. Ammonia: Released by cleaning products, human breath, printers and photocopiers. Removed by lady palm, king of hearts, lily turf, Lady Jane and chrysanthemum. How many houseplants do you need? Evidence suggests that roughly eight to 16 medium-sized to large plants (or four Boston ferns) in an average home can significantly improve air quality. For more information: Wolverton Environmental Services, www.wolvertonenvironmental.com. Contact Dr. Elizabeth Smoots, a board-certified family physician and fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians, at doctor@practicalprevention.com. Her columns are not intended as a substitute for medical advice or treatment. Before adhering to any recommendations in this column consult your health care provider. © 2007 Elizabeth S. Smoots

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