Indoor air pollution is a serious problem that can have a negative impact on your health. According to the EPA, indoor air can be up to 5 times more polluted than outdoor air. This is due to a number of factors, including the use of household cleaners, paints, and other chemicals, as well as the presence of mold, dust, and pet dander.
There are a number of things you can do to improve the air quality in your home, including using plants and air purifiers.
Air Filtration by way of Plants
Plants work to clean the air through a variety of ways, including:
- Photosynthesis: Plants absorb carbon dioxide from the air and release oxygen as a byproduct. This process helps to remove pollutants from the air, such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxide.
- Transpiration: Plants release water vapor through their leaves. This process helps to humidify the air and remove pollutants that are dissolved in water, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
- Absorption: The leaves of some plants have a waxy coating that traps dust and other particles. This helps to remove pollutants from the air and improve air quality.
- Biofiltration: The roots of some plants can absorb pollutants from the soil. This helps to remove pollutants from the environment and improve air quality.
In addition to these mechanisms, plants also produce phytoncides, which are natural chemicals that have antimicrobial properties. Phytoncides can help to kill bacteria and viruses in the air, which can further improve air quality.
The effectiveness of plants at cleaning the air depends on a number of factors, including the type of plant, the size of the plant, and the level of pollutants in the air. However, studies have shown that plants can be effective at removing a variety of pollutants from the air, including:
- Formaldehyde: A colorless, odorless gas that is emitted from a variety of sources, including furniture, carpets, and paints.
- Benzene: A colorless, flammable liquid that is used in a variety of products, including gasoline, plastics, and dyes.
- VOCs (volatile organic compounds): A group of chemicals that are emitted from a variety of sources, including paints, cleaning products, and furniture.
Some of the best plants for improving indoor air quality include:
- Snake plant: This plant is very effective at removing formaldehyde and benzene from the air.
- ZZ plant: This plant is also very effective at removing formaldehyde and benzene from the air.
- Peace lily: This plant is effective at removing carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, and benzene from the air.
- Spider plant: This plant is effective at removing benzene, trichloroethylene, and formaldehyde from the air.
Overall, plants can be a valuable tool for improving indoor air quality. They are effective at removing a variety of pollutants from the air, and they can help to create a healthier and more comfortable environment.
Here are some tips for choosing plants that are effective at cleaning the air:
- Choose plants that are native to your area. These plants will be more tolerant of the local climate and will be more effective at removing pollutants from the air.
- Choose plants that have large leaves. The larger the leaves, the more surface area there is for absorbing pollutants.
- Place plants in strategic locations. Place plants in areas where there are a lot of pollutants, such as near a fireplace or stove.
- Water plants regularly. Watering plants helps to increase the rate of photosynthesis, which helps to remove pollutants from the air.
Air Filtration by way of Air Purifiers
Air purifiers work by passing air through a filter that captures pollutants. The filter can be made of a variety of materials, including HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filters, activated carbon filters, and ionizers.
In the 1860s, John Stenhouse invented a type of air purifier that used charcoal filters. Stenhouse’s air purifier was more effective at removing pollutants than Haslett’s, and it became more widely used.
In the early 20th century, air purifiers became more sophisticated. In 1902, Cottrell invented the electrostatic precipitator, which created and collected charged particles. This technology was used in air purifiers to remove dust, pollen, and other pollutants from the air.
In the 1940s, HEPA filters were developed. HEPA filters are the most effective at capturing small particles, such as dust, pollen, and mold spores. Activated carbon filters are effective at capturing gases and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Ionizers create charged particles that attract and trap pollutants.
Once the air has passed through the filter, it is released back into the room. The rate at which the air purifier cleans the air is measured in CADR (clean air delivery rate). The CADR rating indicates how much of a specific pollutant the air purifier can remove from a room of a certain size in a certain amount of time.
The first air purifier was invented by Lewis P. Haslett in 1848. He was granted a patent for his invention, which was called the “Atmospheric Purifying Apparatus.” Haslett’s air purifier used a series of filters to remove dust, pollen, and other pollutants from the air.
Air purifiers have come a long way since their invention, and they continue to play an important role in improving indoor air quality. When choosing an air purifier, it is important to consider the size of your home, the type of pollutants you are trying to remove, and your budget.
Both Plants and Air Purifiers Can Improve Indoor Air Quality
Both plants and air purifiers can improve indoor air quality at the same time. The best solution for you depends on your individual needs and preferences.
If you are looking for a natural way to improve air quality, plants are a good option. They are relatively inexpensive and easy to care for. However, they may not be effective at removing all pollutants.
If you are looking for a more effective way to remove fine particle pollutants, then an air purifier is a good option. They are available in a variety of sizes and prices to fit your needs. However, they may not be as aesthetically pleasing as plants.
By the way, here are some additional tips for improving indoor air quality:
- Ventilate your home regularly. Open the windows and doors to let fresh air in.
- Use plants and air purifiers. Plants can help to remove some pollutants from the air, while air purifiers can remove more pollutants.
- Reduce the use of household cleaners and other chemicals. These products can release harmful pollutants into the air.
- Get rid of mold and mildew. These can cause respiratory problems.
- Keep your home clean and dust-free. Dust can contain harmful pollutants.
- Get a pet dander remover. This can help to reduce the amount of pet dander in your home.
By following these tips, you can improve the air quality in your home and reduce your risk of health problems. Also be sure to check out the precious post for a list of reasonably priced air purifiers that you can have in your home today.