lovesouthernsocial.com

Those little pots that we cultivate at home can also help to purify the air.

Photosynthesis is known to everyone as a process in which plants absorb carbon dioxide and remove oxygen from the atmosphere. Precisely for this reason, large amounts of green areas are seen as sources of fresh air.

In fact, it is much easier to think about the benefits that a large area with diverse trees and plants can bring to the environment. But, can those little pots that we cultivate at home also generate these same positive effects? In the opinion of researchers at NASA and the Universities of Pennsylvania and Georgia, in the USA, yes.

Plants can absorb many other gases, including various volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as benzene (found in cigarette smoke and cosmetics). These components are responsible for illnesses such as asthma and nausea, being linked to chronic diseases such as cancer and respiratory complications.

The Danger of VOCs

VOCs are chemical components present in several types of synthetic materials, turning into gas when they come into contact with the atmosphere.

They can be found in solvents, repellents, cleaning products, makeup and cosmetics, pesticides, dry-cleaned clothes, paints, furniture, carpets, among others. We can also find them in nature, when released by plants during their communication (learn more about VOCs).

Exposure to this type of material can cause headaches, skin allergies, irritation of the eyes, nose and throat, shortness of breath, fatigue, dizziness and poor memory. During long periods of exposure, VOCs can damage the liver and the central nervous system. Despite the damage caused to health, there is no protocol on how to avoid it.

The best way to avoid them is not to buy products that contain VOCs in their composition, avoid aerosols and opt for water-based paints.

The role of plants in air purification

The components are absorbed by the leaves and roots of plants and also by organisms present in the soil of the pots. Among the most useful in removing volatile organic compounds are Japanese royal ferns, Boston ferns and lilies.

Plants are a good alternative for those who want to learn how to purify the air. The portal eCycle has already published an article showing which plants can be grown at home and which provide an improvement in air quality.