Plants at home can improve the microclimate and air quality, which has a positive effect on health. But when choosing indoor plants it is necessary to take into account their special features, because some of them, such as ficus and ivy, are poisonous, so you need to put them in the house extremely carefully. This was told socialbites.ca by candidate of medical sciences Daria Zhukova, immunologist-allergist of the Hadassah branch of the Israeli clinic in Skolkovo.
According to the expert, the main indoor air pollutants are volatile organic compounds, the sources of which can be building materials, adhesives, furniture and particulate matter – household and transportation dust.
“There is a direct relationship between airborne particulate matter and lung function, oxygen saturation, development of asthma in children, and symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in adults. High levels of volatile organic compounds such as benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, ammonia, xylene, and others have been associated with upper respiratory tract inflammation, asthma symptoms, and an increased risk of cancer. Houseplants are especially beneficial for the health of the elderly with cardiovascular diseases, ”said the candidate of science.
He stated that the supply and exhaust ventilation and the installation of air filters are very effective in removing particulate matter in the air, and that indoor arrangement can also be made to reduce the concentration of volatile organic substances.
“Some houseplants help to naturally clean the air from a number of volatile organic compounds that are toxic to humans, such as benzene, formaldehyde and trichloroethylene, causing breathing problems in people, burning in the eyes and scratchy throat “, – said doctor Daria Zhukova.
For effective air purification, one plant per 100 square feet or approximately 9.29 meters² of the room is sufficient. According to the expert, plants such as dracaena, chrysanthemum, chlamydia, ficus, ivy, chlorophytum and epipremnum have the best properties for air purification from volatile organic compounds.
“The positive antimicrobial effect of plants on the composition of the air in a confined space has also been proven. According to the observations of some Russian scientists, for example, crested chlorophytum has the most pronounced sanitary properties. Eucharis and pelargonium also have such properties,” he said.
But the doctor added that when choosing indoor plants it is necessary to take into account their special features.
“For example, felodendron juice and leaves can irritate the skin, ficus and ivy leaves are poisonous, so these plants should be placed extremely carefully if there are children or pets in the house. In addition, some flowering plants, especially cereals and haze, and dust and microscopic fungi living in the soil and root system can be a source of allergies in predisposed people.
Former infectious disease specialist He insisted Wash even vegetables and fruits with their peels because of the risk of intestinal infection.
Source: Gazeta
Barbara Dickson is a seasoned writer for “Social Bites”. She keeps readers informed on the latest news and trends, providing in-depth coverage and analysis on a variety of topics.