These 8 houseplants can save you from plummeting air quality levels

• The national capital region is choking under a thick blanket of smog with pollution levels as high as 1,000 units.
  
• Last week, the Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority issued a ‘public health emergency,’ considering the ill-effects of air pollution on health.
  
• Over 4 million people die of poor air quality indoors, gobally, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).

The national capital region is choking under a thick blanket of smog with pollution levels as high as 1,000 units. Government agencies and environmental groups are insisting that people lower their exposure to pollution and work remotely.

"Public and private organisations in Delhi/NCR should allow people to work from their homes," said Ajay Mathur, TERI Director General.

Last week, the Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority issued a ‘public health emergency,’ considering the ill-effects of air pollution on health. Over four million people die of poor air quality indoors, gobally, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).

However, the toxic air exists when indoors as well. Here are the ten houseplants that can help combat air pollution.

Aloe Vera


Aloe Vera, which is known to cure skin burns and irritation is easy to grow indoors. Keeping it helps to filter out chemical compounds such as benzene that is produced from carpets and boards. However, Aloe Vera requires plenty of sunlight as it helps removing air pollutants.

Rubber Plant


Rubber plants make for a good indoor air cleansing option as they can grow in dim light too. However, it does not tolerate over-watering. It absorbs harmful chemicals, thereby improving indoor air quality. It can in fact absorb other harmful gases such as carbon dioxide.

Peace Lily

Peace Lily can work as both air purifier and humidifier too. It cleans the air off alcoholic elements and acetone. The plant is known to improve indoor air quality by nearly 60% due to its absorption capacity. It absorbs dust particles and consumes them as food.

Money Plant

Money plant removes toxic chemicals from the air, thereby cleaning away the air pollutants. It removes harmful organic compounds that originate from synthetic paints and carpets.

Spider Plant

It is also commonly referred to as air plant and treated as an antioxidant. It filters the carbon monoxide present in the air. According to studies, this plant can remove over 90% of air pollutants in a span of two days.

Areca Palm

Areca palm, also known as butterfly palm releases a large amount of water vapor into the air, which in turn removes toxins from the atmosphere. It filters chemicals like acetone, xylene and toluene, which are present in cosmetics and detergents.

English Ivy

English Ivy is beneficial for people with breathing problems. It is known to stimulate mucus glands. The leaves of this plant is used to medicate blockages and swelling in the body. It also helps to cure headaches.

Bamboo Palm

The Bamboo palm is very effective in removing benzene from the air — which is used to make dyes, lubricants and detergents. It does not require over watering. It is good for areas having high levels of humidity.