NASA conducted a joint study with the Associated Landscape Contractors of America (ALCA). During the energy crisis of the 1970’s a standard practiced was developed to create energy efficient buildings. The solution was to heavily insulate the building structures, as well as control the influx of fresh air via cracks, openings, spaces, etc. By sealing and insulating the buildings, millions of dollars on energy costs were saved, but at what expense? The stagnant air became a breeding ground for toxic chemicals that are found in everyday objects. Therefore the objective of the NASA study was to discover the potential use of household plants in solving indoor air pollution problems. The two-study focused primarily on 3 everyday household chemicals.
Three Most Common Indoor Chemicals
* Benzene, is used as a solvent and can be found in plastics, dyes, rubbers, detergents, and gasoline, among the other numerous items. Irritable to the skin and eyes, Benzene can cause respiratory and psychological disturbances, liver and kidney damage, as well as diseases to the blood and lymphatic systems.
* Trichloroethylene is used in varnishes, adhesives, and metal degreasing. Known as a liver carcinogen it also damages the respiratory and central nervous systems by acting as an anesthetic. Numbing the functions of cells, Trichloroethylene can have a lethal effect.
* Formaldehyde is used as a preserving agent. Practically found in every environment, from insulation, particleboard, and carpet backing, to grocery bags and paper towels. This chemical is one of the leading causes for the development of asthma.
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