10 Houseplants That Clean the Air

Indoor air quality has become a real problem. Indoor air often contains formaldehyde from carpets and adhesives, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from paints, petrochemicals from fragrances, and a laundry list of chemicals from fabric softeners. While it’s always important to let some fresh air in, research by NASA found that many houseplants are capable of reducing harmful toxins in the air, such as: benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene (TCE), toluene, and more.

Benzene is a cancer-causing agent found in many glues, solvents, paints, and art supplies. Formaldehyde is a cancer-causing agent that off-gases from furniture and carpets. Trichloroethylene is a solvent used with metal parts, dry cleaning, paints and paint remover. Toluene is found in nail polish and nail polish remover as well as foam.

Here are some of the best air-purifying houseplants and the toxins they are most effective at reducing:

1. Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifritzii)—benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene (TCE)

2. Chrysanthemums or mums (Chrysanthemum morifolium)—benzene, formaldehyde, TCE (the most effective plant against TCE according to NASA)

3. Common Ivy or English Ivy (Hedera helix)—benzene, formaldehyde, TCE, toluene, octane, terpene (the most effective plant against benzene according to NASA)

Keep reading to discover the most effective plant against cancer-causing formaldehyde…

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Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Elena B.

3:57AM PDT on May 4, 2013

Thanks for sharing.

May 4
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LILING O.

11:39PM PDT on Mar 31, 2013

Yes ,this is absolutely true!
We have weeping figs, Aloe Veras and Mother in law tongue also called as Snake plant.
Fortunately for us, our beloved dogs and Congo African Grey parrots do not meddle with these plants and we don't know why. =)

March 31
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Edvanir L.

8:38PM PST on Mar 4, 2013

Some of them are poisoning if eat by pets. Be careful!

March 4
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8:12PM PST on Mar 4, 2013

Good ti know that! Now, I have to make a research in order to see their pictures.

Valentina R.

4:38PM PST on Mar 4, 2013

Thanks for the info.

paul m.

6:05AM PST on Feb 17, 2013

Thanks for...

February 17
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Victoria U.

1:51PM PST on Jan 5, 2013

Thank you for this information! I will definently buy some of these!

January 5
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Tamara R P.

12:07PM PST on Jan 4, 2013

I enjoyed this blog and was pleased to see that I have many of these houseplants in various rooms of my house. I am thankful for not only the oxygen they provide yet the protection they provide as well.