Dr. Wolverton and the NASA researchers suggest that at least one potted plant per 100 square feet of home or office space is needed to be effective air cleaners, and placed within 6 to 8 cubic feet of your work, sleep, or leisure space (i.e. near computer, bed, TV). According to Dr. Wolverton's NASA study, these listed plants below were effective in removing the following three pollutants.
Houseplants That Remove Pollutants
1. Pollutant: Benzene
a. Sources of Benzene: inks, oils, paints, plastics, rubber, dyes, detergents, gasoline, tobacco smoke, synthetic fibers.
b. Plants that Remove Benzene: Chrysanthemum, Dracaena (Janet Craig, Marginata, Warneckei), English Ivy, Gerbera Daisy, Peace Lily
2. Pollutant: Formaldehyde
a. Sources of Formaldehyde: foam insulation, plywood, grocery bags, waxed paper, fire retardants, adhesive binders in floor coverings, cigarette smoke, natural gas
b. Plants that Remove Formaldehyde: Azalea, Bamboo Palm, Chrysanthemum, Corn Plant, Devil's Ivy, Ficus Trees, Golden Pothos, Mother-in-Law's Tongue, Philodendron, Snake Plant, Spider Plant
3. Pollutant: Trichloroethylene
a. Sources of Trichloroethylene: printing inks, lacquers, varnishes, adhesives
b. Plants that remove Trichloroethylene: Chrysanthemum, Dracaena (Marginata and Warneckei) Gerbera Daisy, Peace Lily,
See Dr. Wolveton's website for more information: www.wolvertonenvironmental.com