Growing flowers and plants at home can filter exhaust gas, absorb formaldehyde, and purify the air

Everyone who has renovated a home has surely "battled" formaldehyde. Why is formaldehyde so frightening? Formaldehyde is a highly toxic substance, and it ranks second on China's list of toxic chemicals subject to priority control. Formaldehyde has been identified by the World Health Organization as a carcinogenic and teratogenic substance. It is a recognized source of allergens and one of the potential strong mutagens. The effects of formaldehyde on human health mainly include abnormal sense of smell, irritation, allergies, abnormal lung function, abnormal liver function, and abnormal immune function.

Now that we have confirmed formaldehyde's "harm," let's look at the following 10 plants that can effectively absorb or break down formaldehyde and purify the air. Spider plant. The spider plant is the "king of formaldehyde removal" among plants and is also known as the "air guardian." It can carry out photosynthesis in dim light and can absorb toxic and harmful gases from the air, while also absorbing carcinogenic substances such as formaldehyde, styrene, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide from the air.

Aloe. Aloe is not only good at absorbing formaldehyde, but also has strong medicinal value, such as antibacterial and cosmetic benefits. Many potted varieties have now been developed, with strong ornamental appeal, and can be used to decorate homes. English ivy. English ivy can powerfully remove formaldehyde and benzene. It can break down two harmful substances, namely formaldehyde found in carpets, insulation materials, and plywood, and xylene hidden in wallpaper that is harmful to the kidneys.

Umbrella tree. The umbrella tree can reduce formaldehyde concentration by about 9 milligrams per hour, and its leaves can also absorb nicotine and other harmful substances from smoke-filled air, and through photosynthesis convert them into harmless substances of the plant's own. Peace lily. The peace lily can filter indoor exhaust gas and has certain effects against ammonia, acetone, benzene, and formaldehyde. A peace lily grown in water can regulate indoor temperature and humidity through transpiration, and can effectively purify volatile organic compounds in the air, such as alcohol, acetone, trichloroethylene, benzene, toluene, chlorine monoxide, ozone, and so on.

Parlor palm. The parlor palm can simultaneously purify benzene, trichloroethylene, and formaldehyde in the air, and is a "high-efficiency air purifier" among plants. It is very suitable for placing indoors or in newly renovated rooms. Gerbera daisy. Gerbera daisy, also known as African daisy, has relatively large flower diameter and rich flower colors, and blooms all year round. It likes warm, sunny, and well-ventilated environments. It is a semi-cold-tolerant flower and likes fertile, loose sandy loam rich in humus. This plant is not only good at absorbing formaldehyde, but also has strong ornamental value, and many varieties can even be used as cut flowers.

Snake plant. The snake plant plays a good role in purifying air. Research shows that the snake plant can absorb some harmful gases indoors and can effectively remove harmful substances such as sulfur dioxide, chlorine, ether, ethylene, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen peroxide, and its ability to absorb formaldehyde is extremely strong. Swiss cheese plant. The Swiss cheese plant has the characteristic of preferentially adsorbing harmful gases such as formaldehyde, benzene, and TVOC, achieving the effect of purifying indoor air. It also has the effect of absorbing carbon dioxide at night, which greatly helps improve indoor air quality and increase oxygen content, making it an ideal indoor plant.