Home & Garden (25) Tools & Hardware (1)14 Plants that Clean Your Indoor Air of Toxic Chemicals The simple Chrysanthemum can help you breathe cleaner indoor air. In a 1987 study, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ranked indoor air pollution fourth in cancer risk among the 13 top environmental problems analyzed. The United Nations Development Program estimated that more than two million people die each year due to the presence of toxic indoor air. Most people spend more time indoors than outdoors these days, and acording to research from the EPA and the California Air Resources Board (ARB), indoor air pollutant levels are often higher than those outdoors, and contain potentially dangerous chemicals like formaldehyde, chloroform, and styrene, in ranges two to 50 times higher than outdoor levels.In addition to standard safey measures like testing for radon, installing an air filter, allowing and allowing for regular ventilation, and using eco-friendly cleaners, recent research shows that several types of houseplants can help significantly reduce the levels of pollutants in your home or office.

Studies Show Plants Work Several studies have indicated that indoor plants can help us breathe cleaner air. Study 1: A research team from Pennsylvania State University published the results of a study on the effects of three common houseplants on indoor ozone levels in HortTechnology. They released ozone into two chambers—one with houseplants, and one without—and found the ozone depletion rates were higher in the chambers that contained plants. Ozone is the main component of air pollution, or smog, and frequently infiltrates indoor environments. Toxic effects on humans include pulmonary edema, inflammation, and reduction of lung function. Study 2: In 1989, a two-year study by NASA and the Associated Landscape Contractors of America found that certain tropical plants commonly used as houseplants were effective in removing formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethane from the air and replacing it with breathable oxygen. Though all plants provide some benefit to air quality, the tropical ones proved more effective at processing gas and chemicals.

Study 3: Studies over the past five years by the University of Technology, Sydney, found that installing small groups of the Janet Craig and Sweet Chico plants in offices reduced total levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) by up to 75 percent, and dust by 20 percent, with results consistent over the 5-12 weeks studied. Researchers estimate that six or more plants in a 1,200- to 1,500-square-foot house could achieve significant reduction of indoor air pollution. Study 4: Research from the Washington State University found that dust was reduced as much as 20 percent when a number of plants were placed around the perimeter of a computer lab and small office for one week. Plants That Can Clean Up Your Indoor Air Plants clean indoor air in two ways—by absorbing contaminants through pores on the leaves, and by metabolizing contaminants through organisms living in the soil. In fact, plants are so effective that some stores, like Lowe’s and Home Depot, are starting to label the most effective ones with tags.

Though it seems most plants will benefit indoor air, the following are those that have been shown in scientific studies and shown to work. These plants can also help maintain humidity levels and remove mold spores and bacteria from the air.grizzly air purifier Spider Plant: formaldehyde, xylene and toluene.air duct cleaning bridgewater nj Golden Pothos: benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene and toluene.air duct cleaning slogans Snake Plant (Mother-in-Law’s Tongue): benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene and toluene. Bamboo Palm or Reed Palm: formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene. Chinese Evergreen: benzene, formaldehyde. Peace Lily: benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene, toluene, and ammonia.

English Ivy: mold and mildew, formaldehyde, benzene, xylene, and toluene. Gerbera Daisies: benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene. Red-Edged Dracaena (Dracaena Marginata): benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene, and toluene. Warneck Dracaena: benzene, trichloroethylene, xylene, and toluene. Weeping Fig: formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene. Chrysanthemum: formaldehyde, benzene, trichloroethylene, xylene, toluene, and ammonia. Boston fern: formaldehyde, xylene and toluene. Do you use houseplants to clean up indoor air? “Reducing Indoor Air Pollution a Serious Health Problem,” California Air Resources Board, May 2, 2001, http://www.arb.ca.gov/research/indoor/rediap.htm. American Society for Horticultural Science (2009, September 9). Houseplants Cut Indoor Ozone. Posted in Allergies, ArticlesHome and garden projects frequently involve exposure to harmful chemicals and toxins – such as paint fumes, solvents, dust, adhesives, pesticides, and caustic cleaning products – not to mention the annual assault from pollen and allergens.

In addition to proper ventilation, a respirator or dust mask will go a long way in protecting your lungs and health. Respirators and dust masks aren’t all the same – there are different kinds to choose from, as well as a rating system for efficiency. At home and around the workshop, either a particulate filter (dust mask) or chemical cartridge respirator are likely to be all you’ll need. Particulate filters, including disposable dust masks, are the most common type of air-purifying device for home use. Particulate filters can be disposable or reusable with replaceable filters. They cover your nose and mouth and provide protection from airborne particles – including dust, mists, liquids, and some fumes – but not gases or vapors. Particulate filters are rated by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) according to what, and how much, they filter out. The rating have both a letter and number: N: Not oil proof R: Oil resistant (up to 8 hours)

P: Oil proof (beyond 8 hours) Number: Particulate filters are rated 95, 97, or 100; which corresponds to the percentage of one-micrometer particles removed during clinical trials. A 95 rating means that the filter removes 95% of particles from the air. Filters rated 100 are considered High-Efficiency (HE or HEPA) filters. What Type Particulate Filter Should I Buy? The most common rating for disposable dust masks is N95, which will filter 95% of airborne particles that are not oil-based. N95 covers most woodshop dust, allergens, and airborne diseases. Filters for painting are often rated R95, or higher to handle oil-based particles. If you’re looking for the highest level of protection in the widest variety of situations, go for P100, which will filter out 100% of both oil-based and non-oil-based particles. When choosing a dust mask, consider: Masks with an adjustable nosepiece offer a tighter fit. Disposable masks with foam face seals will be more comfortable and a little more effective.

Masks with an exhalation valve will make breathing easier. For highly toxic particles (such as asbestos), choose a non-disposable mask with sealing gaskets. Chemical Cartridge/Gas Mask Respirators Chemical cartridge respirators contain special carbon filtering material that absorbs gases and vapors from the air. The replaceable cartridges are inserted in a mask that seals tightly around the edges to block out unfiltered air. Cartridge respirators may be half-mask (covering only your nose and mouth) or full-face (for protection against chemicals that irritate the skin). Chemical cartridge filters include: Chemical Cartridge: Block out vapors, but don’t have a separate prefilter to remove particles. Dual Cartridge: Include a replaceable pre-filter for particulates, giving you both types of protection. The particulate pre-filter will be rated just like any other particulate filter (see above). PAPR (Powered Air-Purifying Respirator): Have a battery-powered fan that blows air through the filter to make breathing easier.

What Type Chemical Cartridge Respirator Should I Buy? To choose the right cartridge respirator, you need to know what toxins you’ll be facing. The cartridges are color-coded for specific purposes (such as organic vapors, ammonia, mercury, or acids). If you don’t know, or if your project it likely to contain small amounts of different substances, choose a dual-cartridge respirator with a multipurpose chemical cartridge and a P100-rated particulate filter. The following chart will help you decide what kind of respirator you need: Notice Smells: Change the filter if you notice any changes in smells or taste; or if your throat, nose, or lungs become irritated. Breathe Easy: You should also change your respirator if it becomes clogged and hard to breathe through. Keep Dry: Many respirators, especially disposable ones, become ineffective if they get wet. Follow Instructions: Replace filters as instructed on the package. Don’t Reuse: Disposable respirators aren’t meant to be used more than once.