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?

It's not unusual for closed rooms with electronic equipment to lose their ion balance. In your case I suspect that the positive ions generated by the computers is disturbing the balance. Often people with this problem add some fast growing plants, especially pines. Give it a try - it should restore the ion balance in the air and take away the 'strange feel'.

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. Plants themselves produce negative ions so while it might seem counter intuitive to get more plants that might help, especially pine trees -they produce an abundant supply! You could increase the negative ions with a negative ion generator - preferably one without a fan since the fan mechanism produces more positive ions.

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.

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 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 proabably 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. 

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