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There have been some fairly rigorous scientific tests that show that certain plants excel at eliminating pollutants from indoor air. The preeminent resource covering that subject is the text "How to Grow Fresh Air: 50 Plants that Purify Your Home or Office" by the NASA scientist B.C. Wolverton who performed the studies. Conversely, studies also show that houseplants can trigger allergic reactions in many people. One study directly examining that issue was performed by Dr. Michel Olivie in Brussles and is available here: http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/cgi-bin/fulltext/118610007/PDFSTART
Both studies are accurate and correct. Houseplants can eliminate many toxins - such as formaldehyde for instance, which out-gasses into the air from new carpet and often furniture. Any indoor pollutant is harmful if you have asthma. Conversely, some of the plants which B.C. Wolverton idenfitied as particularly effective at removing toxins pose the greatest risk for releasing pollen into the air as well. The rubber plant, for example, is one of the best plants for removing indoor pollutants, but the rubber plant got its name because it once was used to create rubber; if you have allergies to latex, as many do, the rubber plant is one you should avoid.
Of the plants provided in the article above, the peace lily ranks the highest of the plants listed by Dr. Wolverton for effectively cleaning the air of toxins. Many recommend having two or three plants in each room to clean the air - but this advice must be tempered with 1) the findings that some plants trigger allergic reactions and 2) even with plants that pose a lower risk for allergic reactions, having two or three in a room may be too much for the average asthma sufferer
Thanks for this article, I found it to be really helpful. I also thought I should share a great website for people with allergies http://www.oway.com.au
They have all the ingredients list and all the nutritional information for certified organic and gluten free products.
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I read that growing Passion Flower vines indoors can be a bit of a challenge. I wonder what your experience is?
I know I'm sensitive to potting soil - for the first time in years, I bought a couple of plants (fern, common ivy, and some low-light plant) - and I have a tickle in the back of my throat, and a cough. I'm sure it's not a cold ;-)
I've been told I'm allergic to dust mites, too (but not severely).
I think most people are sensitive to things that are normally growing outside, when placed indoors.
What can I do to counter some of these - what's the proper way to repot these plants so that they're not harmed, etc.
Thanks!
My expertise is in allergies not in growing and repotting plants unfortunately. So I can't tell you how to repot them so as not to hurt them. But as far as keeping potted plants in your home, try to wipe the leaves often to keep the dust down. Also, when working with soil, wearing gloves and a mask may help you to reduce your exposure to the mold spores that may be present in the potting soil.