Living

<< 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

1. Man blackmailed ex-girlfriend with nude pictures, police say 2. Snohomish motorcyclist dies in collision with pickup 3. Police looking for man who held up Everett pharmacy 4. Friends plan auction, hope to save woman's home 5. Sheriff warns of Camano Island burglar 6. Arlington private school principal charged with child rape 7. 400 open houses across the county this weekend 8. Man guilty for posing as trooper 9. Cama Beach cabins a quiet, cozy delight 10. LITTLE LEAGUE: Mill Creek reaches state semifinals 2 - Top 10 Stories Most Talked about 3 - Top 10 Stories Most Emailed

• Fewer sports fields could go into Hamlin Park • Taxpayers to Stevens' rescue? • Terrace hires new police chief • Torched!: Three fires blamed on weed torches • A SuperSonics' original: LFP's Henry Akin • Juveniles arrested in burglary spree • Fire levy put to a vote • Late rally, trick play gets Vikings victory • Senior housing on way to Lynnwood • Arlington Fly-In marks 40th anniversary this year • Melody Biringer a wide-ranging entrepreneur • County home market offers low rates, lower prices, wide variety of prope ... • Good investments may be boring but profitable • Fryelands industrial park growing in Monroe • Out of the Blue Aviation expands flight training • Paul Allen’s rare Flying Heritage Collection becomes latest aviation att ... • Warbird's history keeper