How to Make Bio-Filtration for the Air

Determine what toxins prevail in your home. For example, if you smoke, there most likely is formaldehyde and xylene floating around in your house. Hardwood floors, wood paneling, carpet, varnish and paints also contain these chemicals, in addition to trichloroethylene. These chemicals have been know to damage the immune system and cause cancer.

Choose plants for filtration. English ivy, spider plants, peace lilies, Chinese evergreens and bamboo list among plants that NASA scientists recognize as good bio-filters. Each plant has a different specialty. For instance, the spider plant best filters formaldehyde. Use multiple plants (see Reference 1).

Prepare an area for the plants. Designate a wall or section of a wall for your bio-filtration plants. Install shelving that will hold your planters and soil pots, either by attaching shelves to the wall or placing stand-alone shelving in front of the wall. Alternatively, erect a stand-alone wall in a corner, lattice-style, to grow climbing plants such as ivy.

Aid proper air circulation. For example, if you use a stand-alone wall, place a box fan behind it to help the filtered air circulate throughout the room. Alternatively, use a ceiling fan to circulate filtered air from Bio-filter plants growing on shelving attached to a wall.

Maintain your plants. Keep them watered and well lit, either with natural or artificial light. Remove leaves that have fallen to ensure that the soil maintains contact with the air as much as possible. Use organic fertilizers to keep plants vibrant and fresh.