We must choose carefully when adding plants to green our home environment. A recent study shows that instead of sucking up harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and breathing out healthy oxygen, like most plants do, some species can release harmful gases into the air. Among the latter group are the peace lily (Spathiphyllum wallisii Regel), snake plant (Sansevieria trifasciata Prain), weeping fig (Ficus benjamina L.) and areca palm (Chrysalidocarpus lutescens Wendl). The researchers further noted that other plants potted in plastic pots and sprayed with pesticides during their commercial production also can emit VOCs.