Many allergy-like conditions may actually be triggered by poor air quality in the home. FEMA reports that chemical irritants, such as formaldehyde, found in furniture, carpet, flooring, oil-based paint, can cause sinus trouble, burning eyes and throat, and respiratory infections. And without good ventilation and temperature control, these pollutants, along with mold and bacteria, increase in volume, especially as summertime humidity rises.
But the good news is that it won't cost much to protect your home air quality and prevent related health costs.
Kiplinger's Retirement Report identitifies several house plants that clean indoor air, (backed by NASA's Clean Air Study). They're relatively inexpensive, last forever (with a little TLC), green your home and even add appeal. Here's a quick list with links to relevant studies and care information. For more ways to detoxify your home see: Sweep Your House Clean of Toxins
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Spider Plants: Removes formaldehyde.
Fig Trees / Ficus: Reduces formaldehyde and xylene from the air. .
English Ivy: helps to tackle the air-pollution impact of petroleum-basedproducts and mold. (Read this study.)
Mums (chrysanthemums): Removes formaldehyde, xylene, benzene and ammonia.
Chinese Evergreen:: Removes formaldehyde, benzene and toxins from the surrounding atmosphere.
Bamboo Palm: A good remover of formaldehyde, chloroform, xylene, ammonia, benzene, toluene and trichloroethylene from the atmosphere.
Lilies: The peace lily is an especially good air purifier.Removes formaldehyde, benzene, toulene. ethyl and methylalcohol, acetone, xylene, ammonia, trichlorothylene and ethyl acetatefrom the air.
Photo credits: All photos are republished under GNU Free License
WHAT ABOUT GREENING YOUR OUTDOORS?
We've also got some tips to save money on your outdoor ares too:
-
Stocks Retreat on Renewed Inflation, Interest Rate QuestionsStocks were lower and yields were higher on Tuesday, with markets reflecting the uncertain transition from campaign promises to real-world policies.
-
Amazon Prime Day: Get 5 Months of Unlimited Music for FreeDeal Amazon Prime Day 2024 deals include a free five-month trial of Amazon Music Unlimited.
-
Five Ways to Save on Vacation Rental PropertiesTravel Use these strategies to pay less for an apartment, condo or house when you travel.
-
How to Avoid Annoying Hotel Fees: Per Person, Parking and MoreTravel Here's how to avoid extra charges and make sure you don't get stuck paying for amenities that you don't use.
-
How to Appeal an Unexpected Medical Billhealth insurance You may receive a bill because your insurance company denied a claim—but that doesn’t mean you have to pay it.
-
Amazon Prime Fees Are Rising. Here’s How to Cancel Your Amazon Prime MembershipAmazon Prime Amazon Prime will soon cost $139 a year, $180 for those who pay monthly. If you’re a subscriber, maybe it’s time to rethink your relationship. Here’s a step-by-step guide to canceling Prime.
-
How to Haggle for Almost AnythingSmart Buying Learning how to haggle is an invaluable skill. These strategies will help you negotiate a better price for just about any product or service.
-
Disability Insurance Can Provide COVID CoverageCoronavirus and Your Money If you are concerned about long-term complications from COVID-19, consider disability insurance coverage.
-
21 Things You Can't Return to Amazon — Either Online or In-StoreDid you know there are things you can't return to Amazon? Before tossing these items into your shopping cart, be sure to read Amazon's return policy first.
-
How to Avoid a Charity Scampersonal finance Scammers never quit, even when you're trying to be altruistic. But you can avoid getting duped if you do your homework.
