houseplants that remove toxins

I just found this post and wanted to share as well as to remember these for future reference...

Placing a phalaenopsis orchid removes toxic xylene from the air which comes from the electrical equipment around you including TVs and computer monitors. UK based Style Wll Save Us (SWSU) has a great book review out on this topic called Eco-friendly Houseplants - 50 Indoor Plants That Purify the Air in Houses and Offices.

I discovered the peace lily absorbs alcohol, acetone, trichloroethylene, benzene and formaldehyde. The lilies are also known to help reduce allergies. No wonder I’ve seen them as ‘get well soon’ arrangements in hospital gift shops. Indoor gardening brings oxygen, beauty, and joy and removes toxic icky particles from the air.

So where do these problems in the air start? Well, trichloroethylene is released in printers. Formaldehyde is traced back to gas cookers, upholstery, wood stains, curtains, floor coverings, varnishes and ceiling tiles. Acetone is in many cosmetics. Benzene is common in carpets, paints, varnishes, adhesives and wallcoverings and alcohol is present in perfumes and mouth wash. The houseplants reviewed purify the air better than any expensive air purifier by absorbing the bad air and sending out oxygen to heal and invigorate.

I was eager to test this fact so I went to look at Trader Joes and found a Dendrobium Orchid which removes alcohol, acetone and formaldehyde from the environment. SWSU mentioned it is an ideal bedroom plant as it’s one of the few plants that works in reverse by releasing oxygen at night whilst absorbing carbon dioxide. I placed it by our bedside and told my partner of the healing effects it has as we rest, and in the morning we actually did feel more refreshed than usual, and it was six a.m!

No matter where you live you can bring houseplants to clear the space for you and your loved ones. Give it a try, it’s natural!

from http://feelgoodstyle.com/2008/04/16/healing-houseplants/