House Plants - Nature's Air Purifier.

We are constantly bombarded with ragweed, pollen, and countless other irritants and allergens in our environment on a daily basis.

Unfortunately, the one place we look to for relief - our home - is considered the number one place that possesses the poorest quality of air!

So much so, that according to CNN correspondent, Dr. Sanjay Gupta - indoor air is more polluted than the air outside - 2 to 5 times as much.

The problems that poor air quality causes millions of families (especially those with allergy problems) have moved them to purchase air purifiers that reduce the allergens and irritants in their home environments.

Unbeknownst to many however, nature has provided us with an inexpensive and just as effective (maybe even more) air purifier - The house plant.

* The House Plant - Nature's Air Purifier.

Researchers have found that pollution levels in homes, offices, and schools may be cut by the use of common houseplants. As a matter of fact, Dr. Sanjay Gupta stated, "Houseplants alone can remove up to 90% of the toxins in our air."

This is vital since everything from cigarettes, insulation, synthetic clothes, rugs, curtains, fireplaces, and gas appliances release potentially harmful pollutants into the air we breathe - known as off-gassing.

* The House Plant And The Home.

Extensive experiments showed that within just a 24 hour period, the levels of nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, and formaldehyde were greatly reduce by the use of the spider plant!

In addition, it was determined that it would take from 8 to 15 well-placed house plants to combat pollution in the average home.

* The House Plant And The Classroom.

A professor by the name of Derek Clements-Croome of Reading University, found that carbon dioxide levels in some poorly ventilated and overcrowded classrooms exceeded the recommended amount by more than 500%! Thereby, negatively effecting the children's concentration and retarding their personal progress.

Consequently, researchers found that students would do much better, and achieve higher marks when potted house plants were scattered around their schools.

* House Plants And The Office.

Widely known as "sick building syndrome", even the carbon dioxide levels in office buildings have been known to affect the workers and their performance.

Once again it was the use of house plants that improved the quality of the air, directly influencing the workers health and performance for the better.

* The Most Effective Air Purifying House Plants.

While spider plants topped the list, other plants such as dragon trees; golden pothos; peace lilies; rubber plants; the Chinese evergreen; and yuccas were very effective in purifying the air of homes, schools, and offices. The levels of carbon dioxide are reduced, when houseplants convert this gas into oxygen.

So why not use nature's purifier and get yourself a houseplant (* Keep all houseplants out of the reach of children and animals).