Home ‘Decoration’ ZAPS Filthy Air Particles?

By Jack Taylor Posted March 31, 2022

When it comes to ‘dirty’ air – or even air pollution – and your health, what comes to mind? 

Coughing… sneezing… allergies… asthma or other respiratory issues? 

Those are all certainly things that can happen if you breath in dirty air on a consistent basis. 

Now, you may also think that as long as you stay away from congested, urban areas riddled with smog, you have no reason to be worried about polluted air, right? 

Well, unfortunately, harmful pollutants can linger right in your own home… where you assume the air is ‘safe.’ 

It’s estimated that more than 40% of folks in the U.S. are sucking in unhealthy air each day! 

YUCK! 

But thanks to some new research, steering clear from dirty air doesn’t mean you need to shelter yourself from the outside world… or ‘mask up’ (even more than what we’ve been doing). 

In fact, the secret to breathing in cleaner, more quality air, could be as simple as reaching for this simple household decoration.  

Houseplants: Nature’s Air Filtration System 

According to new research led by the University of Birmingham (UK), common houseplants can 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 spring is here, head to your local nursery or greenhouse and see if they have any of the plants mentioned in the study in stock.  

If houseplants aren’t your thing, one of the best things you can do 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 with spring now in full swing, now is a great time to change your filters.