As our buildings and homes became more energy efficient and better insulated and we started to use synthetic rather than natural building materials, the quality of the air we breathe began to deteriorate. Research by the EPA and other experts states that there may be over 100 toxic fumes and gases present in our indoor atmosphere. In extreme cases, places where we work and live have such high levels of these toxins that people become physically ill, suffering from a variety of acute medical and comfort problems such as:

• headaches
• fatigue
• nausea
• sore throat
• eye irritation
• dry or itchy skin
• dizziness
• difficulty concentrating

When a person leaves the building, these symptoms will disappear. This combination of ailments has been given the name Sick Building Syndrome (SBS). SBS causes a high level of absenteeism, lower productivity, and a greater employee turnover.

Plants to Help Clean the Air

The following plants can help to clean the air in your office building, home, or any other indoor environment. Click each photo to enlarge!