Subscribe

0

Photos

Delhi's smog menace: These plants are natural air purifiers

A thick blanket of smog continued to cover the national capital on Saturday following which the schools belonging to the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) will remain closed on Monday.

author-image
Neha Singh
Updated On
New Update

A thick blanket of smog continued to cover the national capital on Saturday following which the schools belonging to the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) will remain closed on Monday.

According to official data, the amount of pollutants in the air is 17 times more than the permissible limit. Cases of breathlessness and allergy has spiked remarkably. Here is what who can do to avoid getting sick in this environment:  Cases of severe breathlessness, asthma and allergy have sharply risen in Delhi as the city remains blanketed in thick layer of toxic air due to the worst smog in 17 years.

Doctors and experts say that besides spike in fresh cases, health complications have aggravated in people having a history of asthma, allergy or other related ailments.

With Delhi witnessing its worst spell of smog in 17 years, sale of air masks has seen an upsurge in the past week with stores across the national capital and neighbouring regions running out of stock. So don't just rely on mask and air purifiers if these natural houseplants can purify indoor air.

None

Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum) is a native to Africa and according to a study by NASA. NASA it has been found that the spider plant not only releases oxygen and removes Carbondioxide (CO2) in relatively low levels of light, but it can also absorb many harmful toxins from the air.

None

English ivy (Hedera helix)

English ivy (Hedera helix) is used by people for swelling and blockage of airway passages, to treat and improve's lung function in people with bronchial swelling, to help bring up mucus and other material up from the lungs, for liver disorders, spleen disorders, gallbladder disorders, gout, joint pain and swelling, and scrofulosis.

None

Flamingo lily (Anthurium andraeanum)

Flamingo Lily (Anthurium andraeanum) is a breathtaking flowering plant that requires minimal light, moist soil, moderate temperature (60-72 F) and a weak fertilizer monthly. It helps to filter Formaldehyde, xylene, toluene and ammonia.

None

Boston fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)

In the late 1980s, NASA revealed that many common houseplants scrub other chemicals from indoor air. Some of the most common indoor air pollutants are formaldehyde, benzene and trichloroethylene. These chemicals are released over time from man-made products in our homes. Treated wood, paint, carpet, furniture and cleaning products release these chemicals, which are also called volatile organic chemicals (VOCs). The Boston fern is one of the best plants for removing them from the air.

None

Areca palm (Dypsis lutescens)

Dypsis lutescens, also known as bamboo palm, golden cane palm, areca palm, yellow palm,or butterfly palm, is a species of flowering plant in the Arecaceae family. As per NASA and Dr B C Wolverton, the areca palm can filter indoor air pollutants such as xylene and toluene.

Delhi Smog