Scientists develop houseplant that can clean home's air

Scientists with the University of Washington have created an air-cleaning houseplant that can tackle particles often missed by air filters; and they believe that it will improve the quality of air we breathe in our homes.

Scientists genetically modified the common houseplant to remove chloroform and benzene from the air around it.

The plants have been altered so they give off a mammalian protein, which enables them to essentially convert airborne toxins into a stimulate that promotes new plant growth.

Small traces of molecules like, chloroform or benzene which is a component of petrol, can be created from simple actions like showering and even boiling water. In short our homes can contain high levels of toxins generated from some of the everyday actions we perform.

These new plants could have health benefits in purifying the air around our homes and potentially lower the chances of developing allergies or illnesses.