Q. I recently finished my basement and created a closed room for the computers. Since we moved the computers in no one wants to be in there. The room has a strange feel that it didn't have before. Any ideas?

The computers are probably depleting the air's of ions. Increase the number of natural surfaces - and ventilate more frequently. It may help to run a negativie ion generator while the computers are on, but make sure you choose one that doesn't have a fan and doesn't produce ozone.

Q. I was told not to use an air freshener in my bedroom. Is there anything I can do about the stale air?

Often when you feel the air is stale, or dead, it's because the ion count has dropped too far. Synthetic surfaces, metal ventilation ducts, washable walls and electrical eqipment all tend to deplete the air of ions. Rather than using an air freshener try to balance the number of synthetic and natural surfaces in the room, and open the windows more frequently.

Q. I've always been known for my green fingers, but since I moved into this house all my plants ever do is wilt and die. Have I lost my green fingers or is it the house?

Plants tend not to do well in areas where the air's ions are depleted. Try increasing the number of natural surfaces in the room or decreasing the number of synthetic surfaces. A negativie ion generator that doesn't have a fan and doesn't produce ozone, may help, as will ventilation.

Q. I'm getting a negative ion generator to put next to my computer. Does it matter which one I choose?

Just make sure you match the generator's output to the size of the room. Air with too many negative ions can be just as problematic as air with too few.

Avoid ionizers that produce ozone. The 'Astrid' is popular - an ionizer that doesn't have a fan and doesn't produce ozone. The North American version comes with a transformer that may heighten electromagnetic sensitivities. Unplug it at night.

Q. My doctor recommended that I replace all my furniture and carpets because of the difficulty I'm having with my breathing. He thinks it's the dust. Would a negative ion generator help?

Air ions reduce the dust by attracting patricles of the opposite charge adn fallign to the ground under their weight, so an ion generator should help. Replacing the carpets and furniture with wood and cushion type furniture, made of natural fabrics, should also help.

Q. My house smells chemically since I installed a new kitchen. Are there any plants I can use to help with the odour?

Your new kitchen is probably oozing formaldehyde. Make sure you open the windows and ventilate frequently. In terms of plants Chrysanthemums, Striped Dracaena, Date Palms and Boston Ferns all thrive on formaldehyde efficiently removing it from the air. Use 2 plants in an average sized room.

Q. My eyes sting in the bathroom at work and recently started stinging at home.

You may be sensitive to xylene - a chemical commonly used in air fresheners. Ventilate well, remove any air fresheners and add a couple of Areca Palms to the rooms where you spend a lot of time.

Q. I recently moved into a newly built house after an international relocation. Since I'm off to buy plants anyway are there any you'd suggest?

Since you're in a new house it's as well to go for plants will reduce the organic chemicals that may offgas from the building materials. Aloe Vera, Philodendron and Ficus are all worthy of consideration with Boston Ferns and English Ivy being particularly good for benzene and formaldehyde respectively. 

Disclaimer: The information on this website is not intended to replace the advice of a well chosen medical doctor.