Did you know that indoor air is often more polluted than outdoor air? According to the Environmental Protection Agency, indoor air pollutants may be two to five times higher than outdoor pollutants. This can drastically affect our eyes, causing chronic dry eye due to particles from cleaning agents, paint, carpet and mold. Luckily, Mother Nature has provided us with an inexpensive solution for improving the quality of your indoor air—houseplants!
How Houseplants Help Purify Your Air
Houseplants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen into the air. In addition, they increase moisture levels in enclosed spaces. Studies have shown that houseplants can remove up to 89% of harmful chemicals and irritants from the surrounding air. These toxins include formaldehyde, benzene, trichloroethylene and xylene.
Houseplants are also easy to care for and require minimal maintenance. They don’t need a lot of sunlight or water; just make sure you give them enough light and water so they can stay healthy and thrive! Furthermore, many houseplant varieties are known to purify the air while simultaneously adding texture, color and life to any space.
Choosing The Right Houseplant For You And Your Environment
When selecting a houseplant for your home or office, there are a few factors to consider: How much sunlight does your space get? Do you want a large plant or a small one? Do you have pets that might be tempted by a toxic plant? Once you know what kind of environment you’re dealing with, it’s time to start researching which plants would be best for your situation. Some popular air-purifying plants include Peace Lilies (Spathiphyllum), English Ivy (Hedera helix), Spider Plants (Chlorophytum comosum) and Snake Plants (Sansevieria trifasciata).
Tackling indoor pollution is an important part of maintaining good overall health—and it doesn't have to cost hundreds of dollars! Adding just a few houseplants around your home or office is an effective way to boost humidity levels while purifying the air we breathe on a daily basis. With their gorgeous foliage and easy upkeep requirements, houseplants bring life into any room while helping us keep our eyes healthy in the process! So why not give them a try today? It could make all the difference in improving your indoor air quality!
If dry eye is a chronic problem for you, or for someone you care for, contact Lentz Eye Care. We can help find other solutions.