Indoor plants can be used to both brighten the workplace environment and potentially improve indoor air quality.
Some research is suggesting that when growing plants emit water vapour it acts to pull contaminated air from chemicals used to manufacture synthetic indoor products around the roots of the plants where it is converted to plant food. It is suggested through research that certain types of plants are best suited to removing specific chemical types and improving overall air quality. Research has also suggested that the more air allowed to circulate around the roots of the indoor plant, the greater the air contaminants it removes. Specialised planters are also being investigated that increase air circulation around the plant’s roots and contain carbon filters to maximise the efficiency of contaminant removal for a single plant.
Studies are also progressing into filtering building air through systems involving plants where the plants may be on the roof of a building or a specific area—but their contaminant filtering capabilities are harnessed centrally.
Workplace solutions and adjustments
As workplaces utilise air conditioning and heating systems more to assist the comfort of their employees, significant amounts of workplaces have become sealed environments with limited or no opening windows or doors to allow entry of fresh air. Research has suggested that chemicals can be released into the indoor air from synthetic products such as particle board, carpet, plastics and other materials.
The following links may also be useful when aiming to improve the health and productivity of workers:
References
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS) 2007, Plants Clean Air and Water for Indoor Environments, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Mississippi, viewed 22 February 2011, http://ntrs.nasa.gov/search.jsp?R=292999&id=5&qs=Ntt%3DWolverton%26Ntk%3Dall%26Ntx%3Dmode%2520matchall%26N%3D0%26Ns%3DHarvestDate%257c1.
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS) 2007, Natural Air Purifier, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Mississippi, viewed 22 February 2011, http://ntrs.nasa.gov/search.jsp?R=26095&id=9&qs=Ntt%3DWolverton%26Ntk%3Dall%26Ntx%3Dmode%2520matchall%26N%3D0%26Ns%3DHarvestDate%257c1.
Wolverton Environmental Services, Inc. 2009, Indoor Air Pollution, Wolverton Environmental Services, Inc., Mississippi, viewed 22 February 2011, http://www.wolvertonenvironmental.com/air.htm.