“Home makeover” SAVES your lungs? (Study)
Are you dabbling in a little redecorating around the house?
Like whipping out the fall décor… or sprucing up your space with some seasonal plants?
If this sounds like you, it could be a great opportunity to clear and clean the air in your house… and keep you HEALTHY.
Here’s how it works.
According to new research led by the University of Birmingham (UK), common houseplants help improve the air quality inside your home (or office).
The study examined three houseplants in particular: Peace lily (Spathiphyllum wallisii), Corn plant (Dracaena fragrans) and fern arum (Zamioculcas zamiifolia).
They found that when these plants were exposed to nitrogen dioxide (NO2) – a common pollutant – the plants reduced NO2 levels by as much as 20%.
Prolonged exposure to NO2 causes a number of health issues, including:
- Reduced lung function
- Wheezing
- And, increased inflammation of your airways.
So, a 20% reduction in this harmful pollutant is pretty darn impressive!
Now that fall is here, head to your local nursery or greenhouse and see if they have any of the plants mentioned in the study.
If houseplants aren’t your thing, your next best option to ensure quality air in your home is investing in an air purifier. Air purifiers can help eliminate dust, debris, and other harmful particles… and many models these days run very quietly and efficiently so you’re not surrounded by loud noises.
You should also regularly change the air filters in your home’s heating and cooling system. Home improvement stores sell all kinds of quality air filters that help trap pollutants from going through the heating and cooling vents in your home.
And now is a great time to change your filters… especially if you were running you’re A/C a lot over the summer.
Have a great weekend – and happy decorating,
Sarah Reagan
Sources:
EurekAlert! “Common houseplants can improve air quality indoors.” https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/945531
