Houseplants for Clean Air: Chicago Air Quality

Chicago air quality is often overlooked, but it significantly impacts our well-being. With the rise of environmental awareness, many are turning to nature’s whole house air purifier: houseplants. These verdant companions not only enhance your living space but also act as natural air purifiers, absorbing harmful toxins and releasing fresh oxygen. At THERMO-POL, we believe in creating healthy and sustainable living environments, and incorporating houseplants is a fantastic step in that direction.

Best Indoor Plants for Air Quality

Certain rare houseplants excel at removing pollutants from the air. NASA’s Clean Air Study identified several plant species that effectively filter out harmful substances like formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene. These pollutants are commonly found in household products, furniture, carpets, and building materials. By strategically placing these types of house plants throughout your home, you can significantly improve indoor air quality and create a healthier living space for yourself and your family.

Snake Plant (Sansevieria Trifasciata)

Known for its resilience and air-purifying abilities, the Snake Plant is a popular choice for low-light areas. This low-maintenance plant is a true workhorse, effectively removing formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene from the air. Its upright, sword-like leaves add a touch of modern elegance to any room. Additionally, the Snake Plant is one of the few plants that can purify the air at night, making it an ideal choice for bedrooms.

Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum Wallisi)

This elegant plant is renowned for its air-purifying capabilities and its ability to remove formaldehyde and benzene from the air. Its beautiful white blooms add a touch of elegance to any space, making it a popular choice for living rooms and bathrooms. The Peace Lily thrives in moderate to low light conditions, making it a versatile addition to your home. However, it’s important to note that this plant is toxic to pets if ingested, so it’s best to keep it out of reach of curious animals.

Spider Plant (Chlorophytum Comosum)

A versatile and easy-to-care-for plant, the Spider Plant is excellent at removing toxins and improving air quality. This plant effectively filters out formaldehyde, xylene, and benzene, making it a valuable addition to any home. Its trailing vines and small spiderettes add a touch of greenery and visual interest to shelves, hanging baskets, or tabletop displays. The Spider Plant is a great choice for beginners as it is relatively tolerant of neglect and can thrive in a variety of lighting conditions.

Boston Fern (Nephrolepis Exaltata)

This lush, tropical fern is known for its exceptional air-purifying qualities. Studies have shown that the Boston Fern is particularly effective at removing formaldehyde and xylene from the air. Its feathery foliage creates a sense of tranquility and adds a touch of natural beauty to any room. However, the Boston Fern prefers high humidity levels and indirect sunlight, so it’s important to provide a suitable environment for optimal growth and air-purifying benefits.

Golden Pothos (Epipremnum Aureum)

This vining plant is a low-maintenance option that thrives in various light conditions. Its heart-shaped leaves and trailing growth habit make it a popular choice for hanging baskets or climbing up poles or walls. The Golden Pothos is effective at removing formaldehyde and benzene from the air, making it a valuable addition to any home. It is also a relatively fast-growing plant, which means it can quickly improve indoor air quality. However, it’s important to note that the Golden Pothos is toxic to pets if ingested, so keep it out of reach.

Best Houseplants for Air Quality: Creating a Healthy Indoor Environment:

While houseplants are a fantastic way to improve Chicago air quality, it’s important to remember that they are not a complete solution. Proper ventilation, regular cleaning, and using low-VOC products are also crucial for maintaining a healthy indoor environment. Open windows regularly to allow fresh air to circulate throughout your home, especially during warmer months. Vacuum and dust regularly to remove allergens and pollutants that can accumulate on surfaces. When choosing household products, opt for those with low volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions to reduce indoor air pollution. By combining these efforts with the addition of air-purifying houseplants, you can create a synergistic effect, resulting in cleaner, fresher air for you and your family to breathe.

THERMO-POL: Your Partner in Chicago Air Quality

At THERMO-POL, we understand the importance of indoor air quality and its impact on overall well-being. We encourage our customers to incorporate these unique house plants into their homes to enhance the air quality and create a healthier living environment. Contact us today to learn more about how we can work together to improve your home’s indoor environment.