Natural Air Fresheners
Air fresheners available on the market today contain a host of chemicals to make the air smell “better”. In spray or “plug in” form, the term air freshener is really a misnomer since they serve more to mask undesirable odours rather than freshen them.
The following ingredients are always present in your average air freshener product: petroleum distillates, p- dichlorobenzene, formaldehyde, and aerosol propellants. Petroleum distillates are designated as volatile organic compounds (VOC) and are commonly found in pesticides. P- dichlorobenzene is used in insecticides and exposure can have a negative impact on the body both short and long term. Research on formaldehyde has shown that long term exposure can cause nasal sinus cancer. A typical aerosol propellant is Di Methyl Ether, which has been shown in research as having a negative impact on reproductivity.
A true air freshener improves air quality. In addition to general cleaning, the best way to improve indoor air is by plants, according to research conducted by NASA. They add oxygen and remove a number of pollutants, including formaldehyde and trichloroethylene.
Improving indoor air quality should be a concern for any home or working environment. Although it may not have an impact immediately, breathing bad air on a regular basis can seriously affect your health, causing respiratory problems, infections, and headaches.
NASA found that tropical plants that survive in areas of low light are the best in removing gases. A combination of the following plants should be used, since some are better at eliminating specific types of pollutants than others. To be precise, an area of up to 2,000 square feet should contain a minimum of 15 of these plants, potted in containers larger than 6″.
1. Philodendron scandens ssp. oxycardium, commonly known as the heartleaf philodendron
2. Philodendron domesticum, commonly known as the elephant ear or spade leaf philodendron
3. Dracaena fragrans `Massangeana’, commonly known as the corn plant or cornstalk dracaena
4. Hedera helix, commonly known as the English ivy
5. Chlorophytum comosum, commonly known as the spider plant
6. Dracaena deremensis `Janet Craig’ or Janet Craig dracaena
7. Dracaena deremensis `Warneckii’, or Warneck dracaena
8. Ficus benjamina, commonly known as the weeping fig or Benjamin’s fig
9. Epipiremnum aureum, commonly known as the golden pothos
10. Spathiphyllum `Mauna Loa’, commonly known as the mauna loa, spath or peace lily
Using these plants will truly freshen the air. You’ll certainly notice a difference!
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