Plants indoors can add beauty and a sense of nature to our homes and offices, shopping malls and public spaces. But did you know they also help us feel better, and stay healthier, physically and mentally?
Research by NASA into air quality in space stations started in the 1980s, and scientifically proves that many familiar indoor plants are excellent at removing dust, harmful chemicals, and volatile organic compounds from the air that we breathe.
These chemicals include
These chemicals also contribute to Sick Building Syndrome, prevalent in air-conditioned rooms, and those with recycled air, which can cause a range of symptoms from sore eyes to breathing difficulties.
You can see the list of plants that were originally tested in this Nasa Clean Air Study, along with the chemicals each plant is most effective at removing from the air.
If we are seriously ill, plants help us to get better faster and often with less medication.
Many hospitals and care facilities are including plants in their design.
Even looking at a green view makes us calmer and more relaxed - maybe even a nicer person! The research is being continued by scientists at RMIT University and the University of Melbourne, who recommend plants for improving air quality and our own wellbeing.
The scientists recommend ten plants for maximum results, but just one single indoor plant can slash harmful airborne particles by 25%. So if we can't have a green view from our home or office window, or we can't get out into a garden, then having plants around us indoors reminds us of nature and gives us those same relaxing, cleansing, and calming benefits. Why not see where you can sneak an extra health-giving plant into your life?
Growing Fresh Air
Research by NASA into air quality in space stations started in the 1980s, and scientifically proves that many familiar indoor plants are excellent at removing dust, harmful chemicals, and volatile organic compounds from the air that we breathe. These chemicals include
- benzene
- formaldehyde
- trichloroethylene
These chemicals also contribute to Sick Building Syndrome, prevalent in air-conditioned rooms, and those with recycled air, which can cause a range of symptoms from sore eyes to breathing difficulties.
Plants To Clean The Air
The most effective plants at cleaning the air include:- Boston fern
- Chinese evergreen
- dracaena
- ivy
- palm
- peace lily
- philodendron
- spider plant
You can see the list of plants that were originally tested in this Nasa Clean Air Study, along with the chemicals each plant is most effective at removing from the air.Growing for Health
Norwegian research in hospitals and offices by professor Dr Tove Fjeld proves that having plants around us indoors, helps stop us becoming ill from minor ailments like coughs and colds. Occurrences of fatigue, headaches, dry skin, coughing, and sore eyes were all reduced. We concentrate better, we're less tired, even our skin is healthier when we have plants around us! Plants reduce stress levels and help us concentrate and focus.Plants for our health and wellbeing
If we are seriously ill, plants help us to get better faster and often with less medication. Many hospitals and care facilities are including plants in their design.
Even looking at a green view makes us calmer and more relaxed - maybe even a nicer person! The research is being continued by scientists at RMIT University and the University of Melbourne, who recommend plants for improving air quality and our own wellbeing.
The scientists recommend ten plants for maximum results, but just one single indoor plant can slash harmful airborne particles by 25%. So if we can't have a green view from our home or office window, or we can't get out into a garden, then having plants around us indoors reminds us of nature and gives us those same relaxing, cleansing, and calming benefits. Why not see where you can sneak an extra health-giving plant into your life?
