Cleaner Air Is One Reason!
Studys have found that plants reduce indoor air pollution:

Common house and office plants effectively remove harmful pollutants from indoor air, according to a study by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

The findings of the two-year study indicate that plants provide a natural, cost-effective way to clean indoor air and combat "sick building syndrome." A growing problem in poorly ventilated homes and offices, "sick building syndrome" is a result of indoor air pollution. It can cause discomfort and serious illness.

The study, "Interior Landscape Plants for Indoor Air Pollution Abatement," was conducted by Dr. Bil Wolverton, senior research scientist at NASA's John C. Stennis Space Center in Mississippi. Wolverton has studied plants and pollution treatment for 20 years.

The study focused on three of the most common indoor air pollutants: formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene. These and other common indoor air pollutants, such as asbestos, radon, lead, and carbon monoxide, are often emitted from funishings, office equipment, and building materials.

In the study, philodendrons, spider plants, and golden pothos most effectively removed formaldehyde from the air. Grebera daisies and chrysanthemums best removed benzene. Many other plants, including bamboo palm, peace lily, corn plant, mother-in-law's tongue, and english ivy also removed toxic chemicals from the air.

"People worry so much about outdoor air, but indoor air may be a far more serious problem," said Dr. Wolverton. "This study demonstrates that plants are a natural solution to indoor air pollution -- not just in future NASA space ships but in the offices and homes of today."

Dr. Wolverton has done a follow-up report to the NASA study which includes additonal plants and indoor air pollutants.

For more information about clean air see Plants at Work