Cleaning the Air in Your Home
With pollution being an ever-present issue in modern times , most people probably assume they are safer when indoors . On average , most people spend about 90 percent of their time indoors . However , most homes have air pollution two to five times greater than the air outside . But don ’ t despair — by making small and simple changes around your home , the air quality can dramatically improve .
Three Deadly Pollutants Three deadly pollutants have the potential to harm your family ’ s health the most . They are carbon monoxide , secondhand smoke , and radon gas . Combat the first by installing a carbon monoxide detector to alert you if gas is present . As for secondhand smoke , the Surgeon General states that no amount of secondhand smoke is safe . Ask smokers to take it outside to keep the air in your home clean . Finally , your home may be harboring a silent killer . Radon gas is the leading cause of death among nonsmokers , and the second leading cause of lung cancer . Odorless , invisible , and naturally occurring , radon testing is the only way to catch this deadly gas .
Using the Green Approach The following five plants will help naturally purify the air in your home . Each is NASA-certified as plants that can remove harmful compounds from the air .
1 . Peace Lily – Possesses the ability to improve air quality indoors by 60 percent . It also helps keep shower curtains and tiles free from mildew , and can absorb the vapors from alcohol and acetone .
2 . Eucalyptus – The leaves are filled with tannins that can raise healthy fluids in the body ’ s air passages . Breathing the scent of this plant promotes feelings of clear breathing . dōTERRA Eucalyptus oil comes from eucalyptus leaves . The oil ’ s ability to promote feelings of clear breathing and relaxation are two of the main reasons eucalyptus makes a great houseplant .
3 . English Ivy – This is the perfect plant for pet-lovers and office workers alike . It has the ability to clean the air of airborne fecal matter and benzene , a chemical commonly found in office equipment that makes focusing difficult .
4 . Boston Fern – Great for anyone who suffers from occasional dry skin . This plant acts as a natural humidifier . It helps restore moisture to the air , especially in the cold winter months . It also removes traces of formaldehyde , commonly found in surface cleaners .
5 . Spider Plant – Do not let its name fool you , this plant is anything but creepy . Within two days the spider plant can remove almost 90 percent of toxins in your home . It gets rid of harmful substances like mold and dust allergens , but its real power is the ability to absorb formaldehyde and carbon monoxide .
16 / SPRING 2018 LIVING MAGAZINE