House Plants NASA studies on Clean Air

House Plants NASA studies on Clean Air

Common houseplants can be a valuable weapon in the fight against the growing indoor air pollution. The plants in your office or home are not only decorative, but NASA scientists find to be surprisingly useful in the absorption of potentially harmful gases and clean the air in modern buildings.

NASA and associated contractors landscape of America (ALCA) have the results of a two-year study that suggest a sophisticated absorption of pollution the plant in the town can be a forthcoming natural way to help combat "Sick Building Syndrome".

Research on the use of biological processes as a means of solving environmental problems on land and in space, has over many years by Dr. Bill Wolverton, former Senior Research Scientist did John C. Stennis Space Center, NASA, Louis, rue Bay, Mississippi

Based on preliminary assessments of joint use of indoor plants for indoor air purification and revitalization, joined ALCA NASA a study about a dozen most popular varieties Fund ornamental plants, determine their effectiveness in eliminating some of the major pollutants of indoor air pollution related. NASA research on indoor plants has found that living plants to absorb pollutants in the air as efficiently, and the other in outer space in the support system to the biological life will be launched aboard space stations orbiting the future.

Golden pothos excellent in cleaning the air

Although further research is needed, Wolverton says the study showed that joint investments may Interior Landscaping to remove pollutants from the environment indoors. "We believe that future results will be an even stronger argument that common landscaping plants in the house can be a very effective system used to provide free homes and workplaces of pollution," he concludes.

Each plant was in sealed manner, Plexiglas room, were injected into the chemicals placed. Philodendron, spider plant, pothos and gold have been selected to be effective in removing formaldehyde molecules. Flowering plants such as daisies, chrysanthemums and gerberas were considered superior to benzene in the air chamber to be removed. Other artists are massangeana Dracaena, Spathiphyllum, and Golden Pothos. "Plants take substances into the air through the tiny openings in their leaves," Wolverton said. "But the research in our laboratories have determined that plant leaves, roots and soil bacteria in all major Remove traces of toxic fumes.

"Combining nature with technology can increase the efficiency of the plants in removing air pollutants," he said. "An air filter life created by the combination of activated carbon and a fan of pot plant. The roots of the plant grows in full carbon and chemicals are broken down slowly absorbed," says Wolverton.

NASA Clean Air Study
A NASA study shows that to reduce common plants for indoor air pollution ....

NASA research has consistently shown that living, green and flowering plants, several toxic chemicals in the air to remove within buildings. You can use plants in your home or office to improve the air quality to make it a better place to live and work - where people feel better, more efficient and enjoy life more.

TOP 10 plants most effective in removing:
Formaldehyde, benzene and carbon monoxide air

* Bamboo Palm - Chamaedorea Seifritzii
* Chinese Evergreen - Aglaonema modestum
English ivy Hedera helix *
Gerbera Daisy Gerbera jamesonii *
* Janet Craig - Dracaena "Janet Craig"
* Marginata - Dracaena Marginata
* Mass cane / Corn Plant - Dracaena massangeana
Sansevieria laurentii entitled Language *
* Pot Mom - morifolium Chrysantheium
* Peace Lily - Spathiphyllum
* Warneckii - Dracaena "Warneckii"

Chemicals used

Trichloroethene (TCE) is a commercial product in a variety of industrial applications. More than 90 percent of TCE is produced in metal degreasing and cleaning using industries. It is also used in printing inks, paints, varnishes, lacquers and adhesives. In 1975, the National Cancer Institute reported that an unusually high number of hepatocellular carcinomas in mice given TCE by intubation stomach was observed, and now considers this chemical carcinogen powerful liver.

Benzene is a solvent widely distributed and is in many common items including gasoline, paints, oils, paints, plastics and rubber. It is also in the manufacture of detergents, explosives, drugs and dyes.

Benzene has long been known to irritate skin and eyes. In addition, it was mutagenic in bacteria and cell cultures has shown embryotoxic activity and carcinogenicity in some tests. There is also evidence that benzene may be a factor in chromosomal aberrations and leukemia in humans. repeated contact with skin causes benzene drying, inflammation, blistering and dermatitis.

Acute inhalation of high concentrations of benzene have been reported, dizziness, weakness, euphoria, headache, nausea, blurred vision, respiratory diseases, tremors, irregular heartbeat, liver and kidney damage, paralysis and consciousness. Anima tests inhalation of benzene to the formation of cataracts and diseases of the blood and lymphatic system led. Chronic exposure to relatively low levels, also causes headaches, loss of appetite, drowsiness, nervousness, psychological disturbances and diseases of the blood system, including anemia and diseases of the bone marrow.

Formaldehyde is a chemical ubiquitous in virtually all indoor environments. The main sources that have been reported and ads contain urea-formaldehyde foam insulation (UFFI) and particle board or pressed wood products used in the manufacture of office furniture bought today. It is in the paper products, the consumption of UF resins, including bags, wax paper, facial tissues and paper towels were treated, is used. Many household cleaners contain formaldehyde. UF resins are used as stiffeners, wrinkle resistant, water repellent, flame retardants and adhesive binders in floor coverings, carpet backings and permanent-press clothing. Other sources of formaldehyde include heating and cooking fuels like natural gas, kerosene and cigarette smoke.

Formaldehyde irritates the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose and throat. There is also a highly reactive substance that combines with proteins and can cause allergic contact dermatitis. The symptoms are usually spread by exposure to high levels of this chemical irritation of the eyes and headaches. Until recently, the most serious illnesses attributable to formaldehyde exposure was asthma. However, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recently conducted study, which caused the formaldehyde to be strong, that a rare type of throat cancer in long-term occupants of mobile homes suspicion.