Natural Air Cleaner: Sansevieria

Last week my office had a make-over, some extra spaces was used as an office room. Of course, paint job was in order. The problem with painting walls or houses, or in my case – offices, was the presence of fumes coming from the paint that most of the times are intoxicating. As I browsed the net, I learned from Wikipedia that average households paint contains up to 10,000 chemicals, of which about approximately 300 are toxins and 150 are harmful and have been linked to kidney damage, liver damage or cancer. Even after application and drying, paints and finishes continue to release these toxin emissions into the air for many years to come. The source of those toxins is VOCs. Up until recently, very high levels of VOC’s were widely utilized in paint products and finishes. Non-Toxic paints do not contain as many volatile organic compounds, which make enclosed air safer to breath for people vs. regular paint. It also has a less damaging effect on the environment as it reduces landfill, groundwater and ozone depleting contaminants. VOC’s are the second largest source of emissions into the atmosphere after automobiles.

But I noticed something. Not all part of the first floor was tear-dropping and intoxicating. As I sit on the corner near the front desk, not far from the re-decorating area. The fumes was not as intoxicating and I noticed a plant resting near by; a Sansevieria.

Sansevieria is a common garden plant in Indonesia. Its Latin name was Sansevieria trifasciata or Sansivieria zebrine. It had a curious name here in Indonesia; “parents-in-law-tongue” or in Malaysia they are called “the tongue of Djinn”. This plant, which is still related to cactus, could adsorb pollutants, especially volatile ones. With its succulent and thick leaves, Sansevieria is highly adaptive. It can withstand drought and flourish during wet days. From how they grow, Sansevieria, can be divided into two kind; sword type (growth upwards and the shape resembles a sword) can grow from 50 to 77 cm long and the rosette type that grows to 8 cm long and 3 to 6 cm wide.

Sansevieria is known to have many uses. Its strong fiber has been used as basic material for textile manufacturing in U.S.A. Armies have use them to pull tanks trapped in the sands. This plants had many fans in many countries such as; Japan, Taiwan, Korea to Europe and U.S.A. Some Korean even belief the plants could remove various radiation. The Chinese believe they bring good fortune, and in Thailand, they developed it to become the cure for cancer.

Among its uses, its ability to absorb free radical is what we could share daily. Sansevieria ability to rid foul odor and other smell makes it a suitable decorations and air fresheners in kitchens or toiletries. In my case, the fume from paint is gone if we leave the plants for just overnight. Based on the research by NASA and ALCA, Sansevieria naturally could reduce Sick Building Syndrome for it will provide a constant fresh air in the room it is placed because the plant will continually absorb dangerous substances in the air. Usually, after the plant absorb high amount of pollutants, its leaves will look dusty and dirty, but a good wipe will help clean it in an instant.

With its versatility, beauty and easy maintenance, Sansevieria is perfect for decoration; with its uses and ability, Sansevieria could help you lead a healthy life. And who knows, if you’re lucky, you’d be able to scent its a rare distinctive aroma that could only be smell at night and at a very short time.