Democratic Sentinel, Volume 8, Number 47, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 19 December 1884 — Plants as Air Purifiers. [ARTICLE]

Plants as Air Purifiers.

Dr. Anders has just concluded some valuable experiments with house plants. He inclosed a dozen potted flowering plants in an air-tight glass ca« 3, and placed them in the bay-window of a sit-ting-room facing the east. Ozone test papers were hung in the case before it was closed. Observations were made for four hours daily during eighteen . days, with results showing the presence of ozone in the air of the case. A second series of tests was made with odorous flowering plants—carnations, heliotropes, etc.—with stronger indications of ozone. A third series included “foliage plants”—ferns, dracaenas, etc.— with less positive results. Further experiments with plants in flower were made with the case in the out-door air. In these it was found that negative results came on rainy days, thus indicating that bright sunshine is needed to develop ozone. The experiment s showed that the floral organs are specially delegated to the important function of developing ozone. This peculiarly active form of oxygen is produced during the formation of the seed, in connection with the phosphorus compounds there accumulated. Flowers of various kinds have been known to exhibit phosphorescent light in warm evenings. Ozone is a most wholesome element in the atmosphere, keeping or tending to keep it from becoming polluted with disease germs. It oxidizes, or burns up, noxious accumulations. Plants in flower are therlfore to be placed in the front rank as hygienic agents. Ozone is of special value in living rooms, when the air, according to the best authorities, is usually foul. A bay-window, Ailed with flowering plants) will doubtless furnish ozone enough to have a decidedly healthful effect Upon the air of the room. It is gratifying to have further Eroof that the old-time prejudice against ouse-plants is ill-founded; instead of contaminating the air of the room and endangering the health of the inmates they render it purer.