.png)
The disinfecting properties of plants were discovered by NASA more than twenty years ago, in an attempt to recreate an ideal environment for astronauts on missions. Since then, experimentation at all levels has intensified and bioremediation (phytoremediation) has become a reality, a large-scale environmental remediation technology of extraordinary importance, based on the ability of certain microorganisms to biodegrade or detoxify pollutants.
We know well by now, the first rule to improve the quality of our breathing is to ventilate the rooms of our house often, keeping an adequate temperature and the right degree of humidity. The exchange of air helps to disperse any pollutants present, but also to rebalance the temperature and humidity inside. The second is to remember to perform regular maintenance of boilers and heating or refrigeration systems, as well as avoid smoking in enclosed spaces and use as much as possible natural products for cleaning the house.
What about plants? Can they be useful against domestic pollution? Besides cheering us up, plants can represent an effective well-being, improving air quality through chlorophyll photosynthesis (they absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen) and trapping on the surface of the leaves pollutants harmful to human health. Poison clearing plants are a great resource and people don't take enough advantage of them.
In a warm humid environment such as the bathroom you can insert more or less large tropical plants and orchids to reduce the harmful effects of detergents; in very heated and dry environments it is advisable the Sanseveria or "Pianta della Nonna", easy to maintain and interesting if inserted for example in an original container or in large groups.
Plants capable of neutralizing volatile pollutants are numerous. Let's disprove the common belief that it is not healthy to have them in the bedroom: the quantity of carbon dioxide is really minimal and does not impact on human presence. For the most fearful, there are however plants with reverse chlorophyll synthesis (such as crassulaceae and catcaceae) that produce oxygen at night.
If they are placed among antique furniture or vintage elements the plants are a real decor resource. Remember, however, to select a nice cache-pot or a nice plant holder to put them on display.
