Houseplants Keep Toxins to a Minimum

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In response to " Houseplants Keep Toxins to a Minimum "

While houseplants add to a home's ambience and warmth, they do little, if

anything to remove toxins. In fact, they may add to the problem when mold

growing in the roots release spores into the air. Molds generally produce

an allergic response, leading to nasal irritation, coughing and sometimes

wheezing and asthma. Some molds however, like the black slime mold,

stachybotrys are toxic and can produce both an allergic and immune response

in susceptible people, especially children. They can often be found

thriving

in water-damaged or flooded building materials like cellulose . Mold

growth must always be eradicated quickly from the indoor environment, even

those hiding unseen in the attic, crawlspace or in wall cavities that may

need an environmental expert's detection skills to find. Leaking roofs or

plumbing leaks may lead to mold growth so these repairs need to be at the

top of your " honey do " list. Planning for a healthy indoor environment

before building allows you to choose formaldehyde-free products, low or

no-VOC paint and hardwood floors and scatter rugs, rather than wall-to-wall

carpet. Health-conscious builders are aware of the asthma epidemic sweeping

our country and refuse to use products that outgas harmful chemicals,

instead choosing natural, healthy alternatives. Plants are lovely and add

to a home's decor, but they are simply no replacement for building in

healthy indoor air quality by choosing nontoxic products and repairing

maintenance problems, especially leaks immediately.

Barbara