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 disturbing the air's ion balance by contributing positive ions. The 'strange feel' will persist until you get those ions rebalanced either by increasing the number of natural surfaces in the room or decreasing the number of synthetic surfaces. Running a negativie ion generator while the computers are on will help, but  make sure you choose one that doesn't have a fan and doesn't produce ozone.

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 environments lacking negative ions. They won't be happy until the ions are rebalanced.You may want to 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 will help, as will openeing the windows occaionally to let teh outdoor balance permeate the room.

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

I'd chose one without a fan because the fan mechanisms tend to produce positive ions. I'd also suggest matching the output of the generator to the size of the room because 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?

Negative ions reduce the dust in the air by attracting the positive charge of dust and then getting heavy and dropping to the ground. A negative ion generator should help - get one without a fan, suitable for the size of the room and unplug it at night. 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.