Formaldehyde

Formaldehyde is a common indoor air pollutant found in virtually all homes and buildings. It is a colorless gas with a pungent odor and at elevated levels is highly irritating to the eyes, nose, and lungs. Since 2004, formaldehyde has been recognized as a known human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). In 2011, the National Toxicology Program (NTP) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), in their Twelfth Report on Carcinogens, also classified formaldehyde as a known human carcinogen. Formaldehyde is released into the home from many indoor sources, including plywood, particleboard, and other pressed wood products used in home construction and furnishings, and many consumer products.

Source: https://www.arb.ca.gov/research/indoor/formaldehyde.htm

Formaldehyde removal is a pressing issue   

Invisible killer formaldehyde, Harmful to our health

         Source: https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rZ93I7mCnyk/

Formaldehyde Uses and Potential Indoor Sources

Source: http://enhs.umn.edu/current/5103/air/formaldehyde.html          

Air-Cleaning Plants

 Aloe Barbadensis Miller (Aloe vera): This purifying plant is shown to clear the air of benzene and formaldehyde, both known human carcinogens. Unlike most plants, aloe actually releases oxygen and absorbs carbon dioxide at night, making it ideal for bedrooms. Aloe gel is also medicinal, used externally to treat burns and internally for numerous ailments. It is a sun-loving plant; beware of overwatering it.

Dypsis lutescens (Areca Palm): This palm, native to Madagascar, is among the best plants for removing a variety of toxins, especially formaldehyde. It likes bright, indirect light. Because of a high transpiration rate, it adds a lot of humidity to the air and needs to be watered regularly. This plant does not tolerate neglect; its tips will turn brown when moisture, light, temperature and fertilizer levels are not ideal.

Dracaena fragrans (Dracaena ‘Janet Craig’): This is one of the best plants for clearing formaldehyde and trichloroethylene. Although native to tropical Africa, this plant adapts well to indoor environments and can even endure some neglect. It likes moderate to bright indirect light. Water after the soil begins to dry out, and use a pot with drainage holes to avoid soggy soil.

Epipremnum aureum (Money plant): A plant that can be grown in discarded bottles and looks pretty as a picture in hanging pots, on bathroom sills and kitchen windows, the money plant feeds voraciously on pollutants. “Money plant sucks up formaldehyde and other building pollutants and absorbs benzene, an air pollutant found in car exhausts that can cause dizziness, drowsiness and headaches,” says Seema Singh. The plant grows well in the shade.

Chlorophytum comosum (Spider plant): One of the cheapest plants to grow at home, the spider plant has thin and narrow leaves that fall limp on all sides, making it look like an inverted spider. “It counters air pollutants like benzene, formaldehyde, carbon monoxide and xylene. The plant is easy to grow in a pot, and can also be suspended from a window; it looks pretty and adds moisture to the atmosphere. “It does not require much sunlight, so it can be grown in our drawing room,”

Sansevieria trifasciata (Snake plant): Commonly known as the snake plant, sansevieria removes toxins like benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene and toluene from the air, so it’s a good cure for the sick-building syndrome. “It uses the crassulacean acid metabolism process, which absorbs carbon dioxide and releases oxygen at night, making it perfect for bedrooms.” But be careful, this plant’s leaves are poisonous if eaten, so it’s not a great plant to keep around children or pets.

Chamaedorea (Bamboo palm): Bamboo filters formaldehyde and other pollutants like benzene and trichloroethylene. “It also pumps a lot of moisture into the air, which is great for dry, indoor, air-conditioned weather. However, it likes the sun, so if you plan to keep it indoors, find a spot which gets some light. If you forget to water it, it will remind you that it’s thirsty by rolling its leaves.

Ocimum tenuiflorum (Tulsi): ‘Tulsi’ is an oxygen-generator which can give competition to the best air purifiers in the world. “It gives out oxygen for 20 of the 24 hours in a day as well as ozone for 4 hours a day. ‘Tulsi’ also absorbs harmful gases like carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and sulphur dioxide. Singh, who has a ‘tulsi’ plant at home, believes that it has a healing effect on the mind. “We can cure the common cold, headache and stomach discomfort using its leaves. Remember to water it once every day.

Spathiphyllum (Peace lily): A low-maintenance flowering plant, peace lilies do well in shade and cooler temperatures, one reason why they are popular in offices. “They get rid of formaldehyde, emitted by household products and furniture, which can trigger asthma attacks or allergic reactions. Once-a-week watering and little light will suffice. The peace lily’s exotic-looking blooms ensure that it makes for great green gifts, and it’s especially useful in absorbing chemicals produced by copiers, printers or adhesives in offices.

Other household plants which remove indoor air pollution

Numerical Data

References

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