Houseplants: The Lungs of Your Home

By Sadiya Anjum

Staying healthy is a priority for most people today. Creating a healthy living atmosphere is the responsibility of all family heads. Research shows that today indoor pollution causes several health problems like asthma, sinusitis, headaches etc. It may seem like the air in your home is clean and free of dust yet there are toxic gases and chemicals prevalent in all homes. Adding indoor plants is the simplest solution to a healthy living.

The number of health problems that can be avoided with the presence of houseplants are several. Harmful chemicals like acetone, benzene, ammonia, formaldehyde, etc. are emitted from items that we use everyday. Nail polish removers, paper towels, paints, carpets, upholstery, cleaning products, adhesives, stoves and many other such simple products can emit these chemicals.

We exhale carbon dioxide which will accumulate in a space without proper ventilation. There is a reason why parks are called the lungs of any city or town. Green plants tend to absorb much of the harmful gases and chemicals from our environment. It is high time you considered houseplants to purify the air in your personal environment.

Houseplants are not just practical and healthy; they are also a form of accessorizing for our homes. They add a touch of life to our otherwise inert homes. A few houseplants placed in strategic places like the kitchen, bathroom and living area to name a few, can liven up a room dramatically.

For your living area, you may even consider using lights for your houseplants. Plant lights placed underneath or on top of plants can highlight their beauty. Lights also tend to cast interesting shadows of the plants on the ceiling, walls and floor. Interesting effects can be created with shadows depending on the kind of plant used. This is possible because of the differently shaped leaves, flowers and tall stems.

Some houseplants are more effective in absorbing chemicals than the rest. These houseplants also absorb specific chemicals. For instance, English Ivy absorbs formaldehyde; Peace Lily removes alcohol, acetone, benzene, and formaldehyde; Snake Plant removes chemical vapors and Spider Plant cleanses the air of pollutants and chemical vapors. The list is long and you need to pick out your favorite among them. But any of your favorite plants can be used since it is ultimately about making your space green and healthy.

Pick out some of your favorites and bring them into your home. Houseplants will keep you healthy, cleanse the air and add to the décor of your home. They will succeed in creating a positive environment in your home which will affect every person who occupies it.

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