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Think that artificial plants are the way to go? Well, think again. While artificial plants never have to be watered and never die, they can’t do what living plants do: clean the air. That’s because one of the best ways to improve air quality--at work or at home--is to keep house plants around. A classic NASA study found that common house plants were able to remove up to 87% of air toxins in 24 hours.

According to one study in particular, one six-inch houseplant per 100 square feet of living area does a good job of cleaning the air. The more healthy and vigorous the plant, the better job it will do getting rid of pollutants.

Besides adding beauty to every room, there are many healthy reasons to have plants in your home or office:

Plants emit oxygen we need to breathe while absorbing the carbon dioxide we exhale and they absorb toxins in the air--including those found in paints, varnishes, dry cleaning fluids, car exhaust fumes and tobacco smoke.
Plants absorb VOCs (Volatile Organic Chemicals) linked to Sick Building Syndrome. These include ammonia, formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, benzene, xylene and tricholoroethytene. Philodendrons, spider plants and pothos removed formaldehyde best; Gerbera daisies and chysanthemums were most effective at removing benzene.
Green plants reduce headaches, sore, dry throats, dry or itchy skin, fatigue, and other cold-related symptoms by more than 30%, partially by increasing humidity levels and decreasing dust.
Some studies suggest that house plants keep us calm, reduce stress, and help people feel better about themselves and more optimistic.
Want to get better, faster? One study showed that hospital patients who faced a window with a garden view recovered faster than those who faced a wall.
Need help focusing? Plants absorb noise, which in turn can help your concentration levels climb and increase creativity and productivity.
Tired of sun burn? Plants come to the rescue! Count on them to shade us from the sun.

The 9 Best Air Purifying Plants: