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. . . Plants are another way to improve air quality within a house. Many plants thrive off of what is toxic to human beings (Dadd, p. 51). The usage of plants falls within the basic principles of holistic health, which generally believes in the healing power of nature over man-made substances. (Morton & Morton, 1996, p. 12) Many plants, such as the golden pothos, can decrease the presence of toxic gases by over two thirds, including formaldehyde, carbon monoxide and benzene. A simple spider plant can remove 96% of the carbon monoxide in a household, while an aloe vera plant removes 90% of formaldehyde (Ibid). Unfortunately, plants play no role in eliminating particulates such as tobacco smoke, so often must be used in conjunction with air filters. Research demonstrates that to achieve the ideal results as mentioned above, there must be one plant per twelve-cubic foot area; unless a family is willing to turn their household into a virtual indoor garden, it would not be possible to achieve the maximum results. (Dadd, p. 51) Finally, one must be wary when selecting plants to improve household air quality. Although surprising, many household plants are mildly toxic to humans. Ivy, tulips and daffodils are amongst the plants which may have harmful effects on air quality which can cause anything from mild stomach aches to swelling of the kidneys. (Konrad, 2007) Although it seems unlikely to many, indoor air is usually at least five times more polluted than the air found outdoors (Bower, p. 522). Hence, a well-ventilated household is one of the chief factors in decreasing indoor air pollution. This has taken on growing importance since the energy crisis of the 1970's, when buildings became increasingly well-insulated to maximize energy efficiency (Bower, p. 521). Naturally allowing the flow of air through doors and windows, or using a mechanically motorized system of fans, are the two main forms of ventilation (Miller & Miller, 1998, p. 5). A combination of these may be used, depending on the desired level of air circulation. Ventilation is not ideal when a household is located in an area which has more outdoor air pollutants than indoor, such as those located within heavily polluting industrial areas.

A common component of holistic health is prevention of an illness rather than treatment of its symptoms. It is hence most desirable to remove or decrease common causes of indoor air pollutants. Carbon monoxide, second hand smoke, and asbestos are some of the better known sources of air pollutants; however there is increasing evidence showing that most household products - from makeup to cleaning supplies to plastics - are contributors. Many solutions are quite straightforward. For example, carbon monoxide (one of the most deadly gases affecting households) often comes from car fumes. Choosing a house which has a separate garage would be a positive step in decreasing the likelihood of carbon monoxide poisonings; and detectors can be installed which are very helpful, considering that it is an odourless and colourless gas (May, 2001, p. 189). Second hand smoke could be decreased by simply encouraging smokers to smoke outdoors. . .

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