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Health Benefits of Plants
02.02.09
Plants can have extensive health benefits, particularly in offices where employees and employers can benefit from better motivation and concentration and fewer sick days.
We’ve all heard the expression Sick Building Syndrome, but how many of us actually know it’s a condition that has been recognised since the 1980’s and used to describe how people feel unwell without actually suffering from any specific illness.
These symptoms usually occur whilst spending long periods inside sealed buildings, hence the reference to Sick Buildings, and the air inside a building can be up to nine times more polluted than the air outside! But what are the causes of this and what can we do to help prevent our employees suffering and taking unnecessary sick leave?
First let’s look at the nasty culprits that are thought to be behind making us feel ill, all of which are commonly found in our working environments:
· Computer screens
· Photocopiers
· Paint
· Chipboard
· Chairs
· Air conditioning units
All these things by themselves emit various chemicals into the air (such as formaldehyde and benzene) which can make us feel unwell – now add to this other problems associated with sealed buildings and you’ll get the impression of how big the problem can be:
· Inadequate ventilation and air circulation – lack of open windows and doors and a reliance on air conditioning
· High temperature – office equipment and people give off heat
· Low humidity – air conditioning dries the air
· Poor natural daylight – open plan offices can mean people sit far away from natural light
· Airborne germs – yet again caused by air conditioning
How can plants help?
Plants are proven to have extensive benefits for office workers who as a result tend to be healthier, better motivated, more productive and take far fewer sick leave than workers in offices without plants.
The reasons for this are simple:
· The leaves, stems and roots of the plants together with micro-organisms that live on them, cleanse the air we breathe indoors by removing airborne impurities
· Plants naturally control humidity in the environment at levels which are comfortable to staff without causing problems for computers and other electrical equipment. The recommended human comfort range is said to be between 30 – 60%.
· They also remove carbon dioxide from the air indoors and release oxygen. Carbon dioxide makes us feel drowsy and lack concentration
· Plants are great sound absorbers and can reduce the noise levels and therefore distractions in an open plan office when used as barriers
· And that’s not all. Plants make us feel happier and calmer and have a positive psychological effect on humans. Not convinced, then take this simple test. Place a few plants in your waiting area or any other public place in your building with seating and watch how people automatically sit near these plants.
Some plants are more efficient cleansers than other, such as the Spathiphyllum (or Peace Lily) and the Chlorophytum (Spider Plant), so always ask your plant supplier to recommend plants that are best for your environment.
Finally, remember, you don’t have to create a jungle in your building to appreciate the health benefits of plants– just by adding a few plants here and there will give your staff ample opportunity to enjoy the benefits of these clean air machines.
