Your home may contain five times more pollutants than outdoor air, according to the EPA.  Some of the most common volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene.  Luckily, house plants help absorb toxins and produce clean air.  Here a few of my favorites, and even more!

 

Peace Lily:

The peace lily tops my list because it is so easy to take care of and is one of the best plants to remove carcinogens like formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene.  It can also remove mold spores that can cause chronic health issues.

 

Spider Plant:

A very low maintenance house plant, spider plants have been proven to absorb formaldehyde.  Formaldehyde is a toxin found in almost everything in a home:  carpet, insulation, pressed woods, plastics, and furniture.

 

Gerbera Daisy:  

A fun potted plant that effectively filters benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene

 

English Ivy:  

English ivy is incredibly effective at removing benzene from the air.  Benzene has been connected to several forms of leukemia.  It can be found in adhesives, markers, pesticides, plastics and detergents, making this a great plant for craft and workspaces.

 

Snake Plant:  

This plant will not only detoxify your air, it will also release oxygen at night and reduce the amount of carbon dioxide we breathe.  

 

Aloe Vera:

This multi-purpose plant is also a great oxygenenator!  It can remove carbon monoxide from the air, which makes it great for bedrooms!

 

Weeping Fig:

Known for filtering toxins like formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene, this plant is a great addition to any room

Some other effective, biological air filtering plants are: Bamboo Palm, Red-Edge Dracaena, Chrysanthemum Boston Fern, Dwarf Date Palm, Kimberly Queen Fern, Rubber Plant, Areca Palm, Corn Plant, Janet Craig, Peace Lily, Cast Iron Plant, Pothos, Azalea, Flamingo Lily, Chinese Evergreen, Dragon Tree, Philodendron, Lily Turk, Lady Palm, King of Hearts, Schefflera, Dendrobium orchid,Purple Heart Plant, Dumbcane and Long leaf fig