According to Eartheasy:
“The indoor pollutants that affect health are formaldehyde, Volatile Organic Compounds (benzene and trichloroethylene or TCE), airborne biological pollutants, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen oxides, pesticides and disinfectants (phenols), and radon.
These pollutants contribute to ‘sick building syndrome’, which causes symptoms ranging from allergies, headaches, and fatigue through to nervous-system disorders, cancer, and death.
Through studies conducted by NASA, scientists have identified 50 houseplants that remove many of the pollutants and gases mentioned above. NASA, with assistance from the Associated Landscape Contractors of America, conducted a two-year study directed by Dr. B.C. Wolverton, an environmental engineer from Picayune, Washington, and a research scientist for NASA for over 20 years.
Dr. Wolverton’s study of the interaction between plants and air found that houseplants, when placed in sealed chambers in the presence of specific chemicals, removed those chemicals from the chambers. He concluded that plants can clean pollutants in homes, offices, factories and retail outlets.”
Here are the 10 most effective plants that cleanse the air from pollutants:
1. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
This decorative plant eliminates benzene, alcohols, acetone, and trichloroethylene from the air, but make sure it is out of reach of your children and pets since it is highly toxic.
2. Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)
The Bamboo Palm is a great air humidifier and cleanses it from benzene and trichloroethylene.
3. Snake Plant (Sansevieria Trifasciata)
This low-maintenance plant releases oxygen while absorbing carbon dioxide, and it is an effective way to eliminate formaldehyde released by your carpets and wooden furniture.
4. English Ivy (Hedera Helix)
English Ivy is a potent air-cleanser against airborne fecal-matter particles, and also absorbs carcinogens from the smoke.
5. Dragon Tree (Dracaena Marginata)
Due to its appealing look and strong cleansing ability, this subtropical plant has strong cleansing properties, and it filters out xylene, the chemical substance released from paints, cigarettes, and car exhausts.
6. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum Comosum)
Place it near the fireplace or in the kitchen to absorb the accumulated carbon monoxide. It needs plenty of natural light and minimal watering.
7. Dracaena (Dracaena deremensis)
It eliminates trichloroethylene from solvents and varnishes. It is easy to grow and needs small amounts of sunlight and water.
8. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis Exalta Bostoniensis)