Polluted Homes Damage Eyes

It is a known fact that the air inside our homes is two to five times more polluted than the air outdoors. Lack of ventilation, with potentially toxic substances like ammonia, bleach and chemicals from air fresheners affect our eyes and vision in the long run. Several factors like dust, mold during the monsoons, pet hair or dander, and fumes from cleaning products or cosmetics can contribute to a polluted environment that affects our eyes. Did you know, your eyes are one of the most sensitive organs impacted by dust and toxic environments? And since we are spending most of our time indoors these days, our home must not harm our vision or overall health. Indoor green plants are an efficient way to purify the air quality inside the house. The trick is to arrange the right kind of plants in groups – have several of them in one area of the room.

Here are five indoor plants that are best suited for the job.

1. Rubber Plant

Rubber plants improve air quality by converting exhaled carbon dioxide into breathable oxygen. They release the extra oxygen into the air through the leaves. If your house is infested with molds this monsoon, get a rubber plant. It will effectively help eliminate the spores and bacteria from the air (by up to 60 percent). Rubber plants are naturally great for the eyes.

2. Peace Lily

Want plants that flower and improve eye health? Peace Lilies are flowering plants that act as excellent air purifiers (100 points for their aesthetic and benefits!). Similar to the rubber plant, peace lilies also contain the spread of mold spores. So, ensure to place them in moist spaces of your homes like the bathroom and kitchen to keep the mildew infesting your tiles and taps. However, keep this plant out of reach of pets and children as it is hazardous if consumed!

3. Spider Plant

Spider plants are the most budget-friendly option if you are looking at air purifying additions in your house. It is best to buy three to four pots and keep them together. They work best in low-light corners of the home. Their leaves absorb harmful substances like traces of formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, benzene molecules, mold, and other allergens. So, if you suffer from dust allergies, it is beneficial to have them in your home.

4. Areca Palm

Areca palm plants are budget-friendly and easy to find. If you love big plants and want to add aesthetic charm to your house, these are for you. They grow up to six feet. Palm plants target ammonia, found commonly in cleaning liquids, dyes, and some textiles, and cleanses the air of xylene and toluene. They are a great option to reduce the eye irritation that comes with these harmful chemicals. The kitchen or living room are the perfect places for this botanical beauty.

5. Philodendron

Philodendrons (especially Monstera) are known for their voluminous, curving fronds. They have been popular indoor plants since the Victorian era. You often see them in living rooms and displayed on show pedestals. They act as an efficient air purifier and are especially good at removing formaldehyde. If you live in an apartment or dorm room, their leaves are large and great for blocking harmful EMF radio waves in the air. On the downside, philodendrons need regular watering and plenty of sunlight. So, grow them indoors only if you’re ready to lavish a lot of TLC.