Is Your Home Making You Sick?

Go Green with Greenery

There's no way to keep your home entirely pollutant-free, but plants can help reduce your exposure. After testing methods to purify the air inside space stations, a former NASA scientist has shown that microorganisms on the leaves and roots of certain common houseplants help remove chemicals like formaldehyde and ammonia from the air. Boston ferns, pot mums, and lady palms are among the best at breaking down toxins, which means a little greenery can spruce up your space—and your health.

Nancy Kalish is a certified health coach. She blogs at TheOrganicFanatic.org.

Next: The dangers of air pollution—and how to protect yourself