Q: Is there an inexpensive way to clean the air in your home?              

A: Yes, one way is to use plants. Plants not only add beauty to a room, but also
can help you breathe better. Plants have a calming effect on most people and their 
root microbes are nature's biological cleaning machines. They purify and revitalize
the earth's air and water. Approximately 42 species of interior plants have been
evaluated for their ability to remove various indoor air contaminates from sealed
chambers. Plants can remove chemicals in the air and transport them to their roots. 
Tropical plants excrete substances that protect their leaves from airborne molds 
and mildew and when placed indoors, they continue to suppress airborne mold spores. 
Ideally, humidity should range between 40-60%. Plants produce healthy, microbial-free 
moisture. Plant filled rooms contained 50-60% fewer airborne mold and bacteria than 
rooms with no plants. As a general guide, two or more medium to large plants 
(14"-16" containers) per 100 sq.ft. of area are recommended. Of course, more plants 
and larger plants would certainly increase effectiveness. Chemical pollutants commonly 
found indoors such as formaldehyde, benzene, and xylene have structures similiar to 
components found in tannic and humic acids, microbes adapt to biodegrade these chemicals 
also...and wha la... the basis for plants ability to improve indoor air quality 
is established.