House Plants & Asthma

There are several plants, such as ferns, rubber plants, peace lilies and English ivy, that can help clean household air of harmful pollutants that can trigger asthma. However, the soil of household plants can also become a breeding ground for allergy-inducing mold.

Benefits

Formaldehyde, benzene and trichloroethane are toxic chemicals found in household air that have been linked to asthma. According to NASA and the Associated Landscape Contractors of America, certain common houseplants are effective in removing these toxins from the air and replacing them with oxygen.

Features

Household plants increase air quality by helping maintain humidity levels, especially during winter months when indoor air can be dry.

Function

Similar to the functionality of air purifiers, indoor plants naturally produce negative ions which help remove asthma irritants such as dust, bacteria and mold spores.

Warning

The Environmental Protection Agency recommends not overwatering your plants to help combat moist soil which breeds bacteria, mold and mildew. Controlling your soil will help prevent air pollutants that can trigger asthma.

Mold

The Mayo Clinic recommends removing plants from a home in cases of allergies being triggered by mold.

References

• Institute of Medicine: Asthma and Indoor Air Exposures
• Mayo Clinic: Allergy-Proof Your House
• KidsHealth: Your House: How to Make it Asthma-Safe

Resources

• Bissell: Tips for a Healthier Home