The initial testing has been for the indoor purification of the air from the chemicals, Benzene, Trichloroethylene and Formaldehyde. Benzene is a commonly used solvent in such items as gasoline, inks, oils, paint, plastic and rubber. Furthermore, it is used in the manufacture of detergents, explosives, pharmaceuticals and dyes. Formaldehyde is found in virtually all indoor environments. Consumer paper products, including grocery bags, waxed paper, facial tissue and paper towels, are treated with urea formaldehyde resins.
Many household cleaning agents contain formaldehyde.
Trichloroethylene is a commercial product that has a wide variety of industrial uses. It is used in some printing inks, paints, lacquers, varnishes and adhesives. Spathiphyllum 'Mauna Loa' Pot mum, Chrysanthemum Dracaena 'Warneckei' All plants were tested in a sealed experimental chamber during a 24 hour exposure period. It is estimated, as a result of this research, that 15 to 20 of these test houseplants can purify the interior of a typical house of 1,800 square feet. In our homes and in space, it looks like we can count on these houseplants to help remove harmful pollutants from the air we breathe.