Air pollution: Five houseplants that can help purify indoor air
At a time when air quality in our cities have hit such low levels that 'severe' is the new normal, schools have been ordered to remain shut, and government's apathy is incredulous, taking small steps for combating/dealing with pollution is the need of the hour. Here, we have listed five houseplants that can help improve indoor air quality and your health.
Aloe vera
Not only is the aloe vera plant quite easy to care for, it has various health benefits to offer. It can help filter formaldehyde and benzene out of the air in your home. That apart, its liquid extract has amazing antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and healing properties for the skin. Just place your aloe vera plant near a window, so that it gets plenty of sunlight.
Bamboo Palm and Dracaena
Bamboo palm: The Bamboo palm makes a great houseplant. It helps in improving indoor air quality, as it can eliminate harmful elements like benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene. Dracaena: Often seen in office spaces due to their anti-pollution qualities, Dracaena can help remove common pollutants such as benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, and xylene, among others.
Spider Plant and Snake Plant
Spider Plant: One of the best air-purifying houseplants, Spider Plant can kick out formaldehyde, carbon monoxide and other toxins from the air. Make sure to provide it bright light and lots of water. Snake Plant: A flowering plant from the Asparagaceae plant family, the Snake Plant can remove a range of pollutants like chloroform, formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, xylene, benzene, nitrogen monoxide and trichloroethylene.
Here are some tips to stay safe from air pollution
Follow these simple tips to stay safe from pollution: 1) Stay indoors as much as possible. 2) If you must go out, use an anti-pollution mask every time. 3) Install a good-quality air purifier at your home. 4) Stay hydrated. Drink 8-12 glasses of water everyday. 5) Eat a healthy, immunity-boosting diet. Avoid junk food. 6) Quit smoking.
