A plant against toxins

"Don't keep violets in your room, because then the air will get heavy at night, and it won't be good for you," that's how my grandmother taught me that it would be best to keep plants – an African violet, in that case – away from my bed. A common belief. Indeed, this is a myth to be debunked, considering that there are some plants that are beneficial to humans during the night.
Let us start with the assumption that a person, while exhaling, emits much more CO2 than a plant does. So, if this is the risk, it is better to sleep without greenery next to you. Next, it should be specified that carbon dioxide, in itself, is not toxic, unless it reaches excessive levels (we are not considering, here, its effect as a greenhouse gas, but only the consequences it can have on our health). In any case, plants can keep CO2 and oxygen levels in balance and make the air feel lighter and fresher, or more "breathable."
Within the walls of our homes, however, we can find other airborne particles with effects that are anything but harmless. First of all, formaldehyde. This is a carbon-based compound that is used in industry for resins, paints, foams and glues for construction, for disinfectants and germicides, or for products that can make fabrics crease-resistant. Exposure to high amounts of this substance can cause serious issues – from eye and mucous membrane irritation to cancer. Added to this are benzene, toluene and other compounds commonly referred to as VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) that can be dispersed into the air from some elements in the home or from the outdoor environment. One specification is in order: not all VOCs are bad for you; on the contrary. Limonene, for example, is used for therapeutic purposes, has detox effects on the body along with antidepressant and anxiolytic effects. Beyond cases like this, however, you need to be very careful about what you bring into your home, check the toxicity levels of products, and opt for those that are naturally based.
There's no need to panic, by the way. There is a remedy. Meanwhile, it is always important to exchange the air (experts say for an average of ten minutes every hour) because indoor air is still more polluted than outdoor air. And, then, some plants can boast a super purifying effect with respect to these substances. The discovery dates back to 1989, when Nasa initiated a study of certain plant types to make environments inside space stations more livable. Since then, research studies have multiplied and been brought up to date.
Also effective against xylene and toluene is the Areca palm. Pothos and Spathiphyllum, both simple to manage, remove some of the toxins and VOCs. And then Sansevieria and Gerbera, which produce oxygen at night and are ideal for purifying the bedroom. Again, Aglaonema emits a high level of oxygen while removing harmful particles, while, for the bathroom in particular, the inclusion of Rhapis excelsa, which lowers ammonia levels, can be beneficial. Others include Hedera helix (common ivy), Ficus benjamina, Dracaena marginata, and Aloe vera. All winners in the battle against formaldehyde.