Stuffy home? This “makeover” can help
Over the holidays, a neighbor of mine told me that he switched the air filters in his home to the uber-expensive variety that help remove any bit of dust, dirt, or allergens.
He said he notices a big difference in the air quality of his home… but wasn’t too keen on the filter’s hefty price tag.
I won’t rain on his parade because those types of filters do help…
But today I’ve got something NATURAL—and less expensive—that can help with the stuffy air in your home.
Here’s how this one works.
Research led by the University of Birmingham (UK) says that common houseplants 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 as much as 20%.
Prolonged exposure to NO2 causes a number of health issues, including:
- Reduced lung function
- Wheezing
- Increased inflammation in your airways
So, a 20% reduction in this harmful pollutant is pretty darn impressive!
I realize that it’s January, but you can still 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 quietly and efficiently so you’re not surrounded by loud noise.
And, like my neighbor, you should 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. You don’t have to go for the Rolls-Royce of air filters like him as long as you change them frequently.
In Your Corner,
Dr. Allan Spreen
Sources:
EurekAlert! “Common houseplants can improve air quality indoors.” https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/945531
