When I Was Young!
The Air Your Kids are breathing in is Dangerous. Improve it Now or Regret it Later!
When I was young, I was asked to write an essay on how modern world is a necessary evil. Too young to tackle a subject like this, I wasn’t aware how. But as I grew up and moved to the city, I understood that how urban cities are sabotaging the right to quality living. With every passing day, the air quality is deteriorating. I cannot remember the last time when I saw the sky clear in its pristine blue color. Or the time when there were bright stars in the night sky so that I could recite the poem to the kids and have a chance to show them what it was like growing in my times.
It is not just the urban air quality that is the cause of worry. In fact the indoor air pollution is the second major contributing cause to the worse toxic pollution problem across the world, as reported by Blacksmith Institute. It is an alarming fact that the indoor air is 5 times more polluted than outdoor air and can cause ailments like mild headaches to malignancy.
However, as they say, every black cloud has a silver lining. Improving the indoor quality is easier. And no, it doesn’t include switching to machines that promise to clean the air. It means going back to nature as a study conducted by the NASA scientists has concluded that flowers and potted plants can keep the rising indoor pollutants in check.
If you consider indoor plants as mere decoration, it is time to give this thought a rest. The NASA scientists have revealed that these plants absorb harmful gases and contaminants. Introducing green to your home can result in clearer air, productive ambience and cheerful mood.
Need more food for thought?
Let’s know our culprits first:
VOCs or Volatile Organic Compounds:
The seemingly innocent grocery bags, paints, varnish, dry cleaning agents, floor wax, facial tissues, alcohol-based shampoos, disinfectants and paper towels have VOCs that linger in air and stay there to build up Sick Building Syndrome resulting in diseases like asthma, headache, mood swings and even cancer.
How Plants can help us to counter this Massive Problem?
Most of the plants absorb the VOCs through the pores of their leaves. Even the roots and soil of potted buds absorb the VOCs and improve the air quality considerably.
NASA has recognized a couple of plants that can be used to clean the air. And the most positive aspect of this research is they aren’t some exotic plants that could cost you a fortune.
Pothos:
Commonly termed ‘money plant’ absorb formaldehyde molecules. Formaldehyde has been under fire for its usage in lotions, hair treatments and manicure products and its possible association with malignancy. Spider plant is also very beneficial in absorbing formaldehydes.
Gerbera Daisy and Chrysanthemum
Most of the skin products and fragrance contain benzene. Benzene can cause allergies, cancer and reproductive toxicity. Gerbera Daisy and Chrysanthemum are most effective in removing these molecules from air.
Dracaena Massangeana
Also known as corn plant, Dracena is the super-absorbent of Carbon Mono Oxide.
Additionally, the research states that plants like Chinese Evergreen, Hedera Helix, Aloe Vera, Bamboo Palm and Peace Lily arealso very effective to clear the air and enhance the air quality indoors.
The best part is that you don’t need to go anywhere to get these plants for your home. Buy flowers online and remove toxins in the air. Introduce these plants to your home décor and breathe a fresh and cleaner air!
Source: NASA
