Part Two: Twelve Indoor Plants That Want to Clean Your Air

Last month there was a post about house plants that will clean your air of ammonia, benzene, formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, xylene, and trichloroethylene.  You can read that post here.  So what are these chemicals in our air and how do they get there?  Glad you asked.

Ammonia-A colorless gas that is harmful to humans at high enough levels.  Ammonia is a common ingredient in household cleaners and is used in some refrigeration units.  Ammonia is in fertilizers and some fuels.  Urine, pet waste, and decaying plants are all sources of ammonia.  Long term exposure to high ammonia levels can lead to lung damage.

Benzene-In the air, Benzene is a vapor.  Sources of benzene include building materials, furniture, attached garages, heat and cooling systems, and certain stored solvents and paints.  Long term exposure to high benzene levels is potentially carcinogenic to humans.

Formaldehyde-In the air, formaldehyde is a gas.  It is used in building materials and insulation material.  It is used in the production of pressed wood such as particle board, plywood, and fiberboard.  It is an ingredient in household products, glues, adhesives, paper product coating, and permanent press fabric.  It is in tobacco smoke and is a by-product of combustion sources such as wood-burning stoves.  Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen.

Carbon Monoxide-A colorless gas that is created from the use of many appliances in your home.  Carbon monoxide can come from water heaters, cookers, boilers, heating systems, stoves, gas ranges, and grills.  Levels of carbon monoxide can build up in your home slowly over time and cause illnesses.  High levels are lethal.

Xylene-A solvent and vapor in the air.  Xylene is in paints, lacquers, and thinners.  It is used in adhesives and in rust proofing.  Xylene is in permanent markers.  Exposure can lead to illness and toxicity.

Trichloroethylene-A liquid that is a vapor in the air.  It is used in refrigerants and as a degreaser.  It an ingredient in wood finishes, paint remover, stain remover, and adhesives.  Trichloroethylene is a known carcinogen.