If you think you're safe when you're shut up inside your house, you probably need to give it a second thought. Studies have shown that air pollution can be worse indoors than outdoors. People living in urban cities are exposed to air contaminants leading to serious health problems, including cancer, respiratory ailments, fatigue and headaches. The air you are breathing in your home is likely to be contaminated with pollutants and toxic chemicals. These harmful indoor pollutants are made up of outdoor-derived compounds like CO2 (carbon dioxide), dust-like particles, and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) emitted from furnishings, paint, detergents and other common household objects. Don't worry! One possible solution to cleaning the air inside is the use of indoor plants. Science has shed light on the purifying power of indoor plants. One study, for example, found that harmful side effects of indoor pollution, such as itchy eyes, respiratory problems and asthma, to name a few, were significantly reduced by the addition of potted plants in an office building. However, how do plants purify the air? Well, plants convert carbon dioxide into oxygen through the process of photosynthesis. Root-associated microbes convert toxins in the air into nutrients the is plants eat and thrive on. While all plants are good for improving air quality, some are clearly better than others. Plants like Areca Palm and Dracaena are able to remove up to 70% of VOC chemicals in the air in just twenty-four hours! If you still have doubts about adding a bit of green to the household, here's more evidence. According to the research, the addition of home greenery can help reduce stress and anxiety, and even aid against depression. So, why not give it a try? You can enjoy the simple beauty of house plants while your lungs benefit from their natural air cleansing function.