It is pretty much expected that we will encounter toxins everyday. Whether it is plastics, cleaning products, or other synthetic materials, we are surrounded by harmful toxins. Toxins that in large enough doses could kill us, so even encountering small traces of these can probably lead to health problems, and would logically be something to avoid, if given the chance. Lucky for us our plant friends live to clean the air around us - thanks guys.

In the June issue of GOOD Magazine they put together a great info-graphic of the three most common household toxins and the plant species that research has shown to cleanse and detoxify the air of these potentially harmful toxins.

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The three most common household toxins, as broken down by the GOOD info-graphic, are:

• Trichloroethylene: Effects similar to alcohol poisoning: headache and dizzinness, with long-term damage to the liver and kidneys
• Formaldehyde: A very common indoor pollutant; can cause headaches, watery eyes, and difficulty breathing; is classified as a possible human carcinogen by the EPA
• Benzene: Can cause drowsiness, dizziness, vomiting, and unconsciousness; has a pleasant smell, which is why it used to be a common ingredient in aftershave

Toxic chemicals like formaldehyde, benzene, radon, trichloroethylene and carbon monoxide can come from a variety of seemingly innocuous household sources like cleaning materials, your furnace, and even your house itself. These chemicals can contribute to allergies, asthma and a host of other conditions including cancer.

NASA studies have shown that the presences of plants in your indoor environment can significantly reduce your exposure to these toxic airborne chemicals and greatly improve the quality of living. Since many of us spend so much time indoors at home and at work it’s very important that we bring some of the outdoors in and here are some of the best plants to do that with…
- greenupgrader.com

Golden Pathos

Photo by Plant Oasis

• Formaldehyde: Carpet

Corn Plant

Photo by Chris KWM

• Formaldehyde: Paper Goods

Gerbera Daisies

Photo by shashchatter

• Trichloroethylene: Dry Cleaning
• Benzene: Inks

Chrysanthemum

Photo by Ava Babili

• Trichloroethylene: Inks
• Formaldehyde: Household Cleaners

Dieffenbachia

Photo by dinesh valke

• Formaldehyde: Plywood

Bamboo Palm

Photo by dinesh valket

• Formaldehyde: Furniture

Peace Lilly

Photo by Sidereal

• Trichloroethylene: Paints
• Benzene: Detergents

English Ivy

Photo by klmonty

• Benzene: Tobacco Smoke

Philodendron

Photo by ame nielsen

• Formaldehyde: Particle Board

Spider Plant

Photo by madnzany

• Formaldehyde: Clothes

Poinsettia

Photo by Minette Layne

• Formaldehyde: Water Repellent

Azalea

Photo by edwardleger

• Formaldehyde: Foam Insulation

Janet Craig

Photo by 가라곤

• Benzene: Synthetic Fabrics

Here is another article on plants that purify your air.