Author B.C. Wolverton originally began his research to investigate creating a breathable environment for a NASA lunar habitat. What came of that research was the discovery that houseplants are the most efficient filters of common pollutants such as ammonia, formaldehyde and benzene.

As we know, chemicals can be released by carpets, furniture and building materials and trapped by closed heating and cooling systems, leading to a variety of allergic and respiratory reactions.

In his oft-praised book, Wolverton presents fifty plants that are ranked on removal of chemical vapors and ease of maintenance, amongst other categories. Each plant gets a two-page spread; one to discusses the plant’s ideal environment and one with a full-page photo - looks count too!

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