What plants should you put next to a computer to clean up the air

asks Su Smith:
A. Most homes and offices can usually produce a few sad-looking spider plants, but they could be useful. There are a whole range of plants that have been found to clean up the atmosphere indoors. Most of the research was done in the 1980s by Dr Bill Wolverton, one of the original Nasa research scientists and a spokesperson for the US-based Plants for Clear Air Council.

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Q. Why do you need to clean up the air
A. Houses and offices are traps for toxic gases - especially in cold weather. Gas fires and cookers leak nitrogen oxide and carbon monoxide, and man-made materials such as paint, carpets, furniture, cleaning agents, computer and office equipment give off poisonous chemicals known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which have been linked with skin irritations, headaches, respiratory disorders, allergies and even cancer.

Plants also help to eliminate airborne bacteria and fungi. And those which release a lot of moisture will also attract dust particles, which is useful if you have asthma.

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Q. Is it safe to have plants in the bedroom
A. Some people believe that you can't have plants in the bedroom because they use up all the oxygen and give out carbon dioxide. The truth is that the amounts are so tiny it doesn't matter. And some plants, such as aloe vera, mother-in-law's tongue, orchids and bromeliads, will actually help to oxygenate a room at night.

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Q. So which ones should I put on my desk
A. According to the Flowers and Plants Association,� some of the best houseplants for absorbing chemicals are:

• Ficus - including weeping fig and rubber plant
• Ivy
• Philodendrons - including sweetheart vine, elephant ear and Red Emerald
• Peace lilies
• Pot chrysanthemums and pot gerbera
• Ferns - especially Boston fern and Kimberley Queen
• Dragon tree
• Palms - including Yellow or Areca palm, Lady palm and Parlour palm.

Other useful plants:

• Lady palm, pot tulip, pot chrysanthemum absorb ammonia-based smells in the bathroom.
• Bromeliads, Singapore orchid, and ferns absorb moisture in bathrooms.
• Moth orchids and tulips absorb chemicals given out by VDUs and mobile phones.
• Ivy clears tobacco smoke.
• Bamboo palm gets rid of carpet odours
• Snake plants removed household cleaner smells.

Q. And what about those spider plants
A. Mock no longer - the faithful old spider plant removes 96% of carbon monoxide from the air!

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By Sheena Miller

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