The New York Times published a story regarding how common houseplants can purify the air of chemicals like benzene and formaldehyde. This claim is based on NASA research performed in the 1980s when the agency was trying to figure out ways to keep the air quality as clean as possible within enclosed habitats (like a space station). Of course, you can read the 27 page report ... or read a mom-friendly book that summarizes the findings in an easy-to-understand language from Amazon.com. &…