On warm days, outdoor air pollution concentrations often rise to levels that can impact our health. But did you know that air pollution inside can be worse than air pollution outside? The air we breathe inside a sealed building can be 25 to 100 percent more polluted than the air outside. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that negative impacts on the health of workers due to poor indoor air quality cost the U.S. economy between 17 and 43 billion dollars each year!
Viewer Tip: Protect indoor air quality in your home and work space by adding a few plants. While indoor plants can’t solve air quality problems completely, they do filter air by absorbing air pollutants and radiation from computers; they also replenish oxygen. Studies have shown that indoor plants help to reduce cold-related illnesses by up to 30 percent and also help to reduce stress levels.
Good plant choices: Plant biologists at the University of Technology in Sydney, Australia found that placing six small, potted peace lily and dracaena “Janet Craig” plants in an office reduced overall air toxin levels by 75 percent!
Season: Summer
(Sources: McKay, K. and J. Bonnin. 2006. “True Green: 100 everyday ways you can contribute to a healthier planet.” Published by the National Geographic Society; Coombs, A. “Your Health: Breathe Easier with Houseplants?” National Wildlife Magazine, February/March 2008)
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