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Use plants to clean the air in your house
Pink azalea (right), are effective in removing fumes that are generated from cigarette smoke, processed wooden products, adhesives and waxed paper. The Boston Fern (left) is effective in removing formaldehyde (which comes from cigarette smoke, processed wooden products, adhesives and waxed paper.), Peace Lilly (centre), which blooms with large white flowers, can eliminate trichloroethylene (a chlorinated hydrocarbon commonly used as an industrial solvent) . FILE/ PLANTS GALORE
Posted Thursday, January 26 2012 at 19:30
However, positive ions, also known as free radicals, break down human cells and cause acidic build-ups, raising stress and fatigue levels and even causing cancer.
These positive ions are much denser in urban indoor environments, where they are given off by high-voltage networks, heating and cooling systems, TVs, radios, transmitters, radar systems, computers, exhausts and cigarette fumes, radiation and harmful chemicals and toxins.
Poor building ventilation and closed windows also raise positive ion levels in a home. One study showed that the number of negative ions in a closed room with several people inside fell to 200cm3 from 1000cm3 to 1500cm3, the normal level.
By contrast, water and plants emit negative ions, neutralising the free radicals.
A University of Dublin study found that negative ions lift the serotonin in the brain that improves mood, emotion, sleep and appetite.
It takes just one potted plant per 100 square feet home or office space to eliminate toxins and reduce carbon dioxide levels indoors. Of maximum benefit, say the experts, is an array of three plants in each room.
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