Mr Kola Olusayo, an horticulturist has advised residents to always keep ornamental plants in and around their homes to purify air around them. Olusayo told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ilorin, Kwara, on Tuesday that there had been a decline at the rate people plant ornamental plants around their homes.

He said that many people had suffered respiratory problems by inhaling impure air from their surroundings. "I have noticed that nowadays, people keep ornamental or domestic plants outside the homes to beautify the compound outside the gates.

"But these plants do more than beautify, they clean the air of toxins and impurities. "People no longer keep plants in their living rooms, dinning, or even in bedrooms, rather you will find there artificial flowers which attract dusts and we, in turn, inhale the dust."

According to him, "When people keep ornamental plants in their homes, especially inside the house, they help to purify the air around the homes, because there is an exchange of gas between plants and animals. "The carbon dioxide we breathe out, plants take it in to their own advantage and give us back the oxygen we need.

"So, it is, indeed, worth noting that these plants trap all the carbon dioxide available, thus purifying the air we breathe." He said that, "Some plants such as aloevera, which most people keep outside the house, are a good air purifier and can grow in a bowl.

"Keep them as ornaments in corners of the house and you will be surprised at the wonders it does. "Studies have shown that aloe vera absorbs carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and formaldehyde and that a single plant of aloe vera in the home, does the work of nine air purifiers combined.

"You will be surprised at the improved way you feel in your respiratory tracts, you will feel more comfortable with your breath and have fewer problems with your nasal cavity." Olusayo advised that people should cultivate keeping ornamental plants in their homes to help purify air around them and for better health," he said. (NAN)