Indoor plants can reduce health problems

By Manvir Kaur

According to research by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, people should grow more house plants.

NASA’s study says houseplants soak up pollutants, and, based on research by scientist Bill Wolverton, the amount of leaf surface has an impact on the rate of air purification. More importantly, plants like English ivy, gerbera and peace lilies can scrub the air of cancer-causing volatile compounds such as formaldehyde and benzene and trichloroethylene.

Indoor plants can contribute to reducing health problems such as sore throats or nausea stemming from sick building syndrome. They are also good noise absorbers, which helps to create a pleasant environment at home.

Samantha Keller is an environment educator at the Essex Region Conservation Authority.

“Plants in general use the carbon dioxide in the air and put out oxygen as a byproduct of their photosynthesis,” said Keller. “There are many plants that do air quality improving.”

According to Dan Lebedyk, a biologist and ecologist at ERCA, most people grow tropical plants inside the house to purify the air rather than native plants. Since native plants require a dormancy period from the winter, they are not ideal to keep indoors.

Indoor plants like weeping fig and Boston fern also help to remove toxins from the air.