Green Office @ The ONE thing that can prevent sick days and keep you healthy in the office (it'll help with your stress levels too)
- Filling your workspace with greenery can keep illnesses, like colds, at bay
- Synthetic office furnishings shown to release chemicals that can irritate
- NASA study shows common indoor plants have the ability to filter air pollutants
- FEMAIL reveals which plants are the best to add to an office environment
Working in a closed office space can mean if there's a flu or a
bug going around, everyone gets it.
While the problem is usually associated with poor air ventilation,
other health issues can arise such as those that are caused by certain
chemicals used in office furniture.
According to researchers Eddie van Etten and Pierre Horwitz
for The Conversation, adding some greenery to your
workspace offers a whole range of benefits, including preventing sick days and
reducing stress.
The researchers explained most people are used to working in an
office that comes decked out with synthetic furnishings, including partitions
made of particle board, vinyl carpet, a particle board desk and a plastic or synthetic
office chair.
And while adding indoor plants can help brighten up a dull
workspace, they can also help purify the air of toxic chemicals.
Nasty substances, such as formaldehyde, are one of the many
compounds released by these sorts of furnishings which have been shown to cause
health problems, the article states.
Those exposed to the compound say their eyes, nose and throat feel
more irritated, and they often experience more headaches, and in some cases
skin irritations.
Other harmful chemicals in the office may include benzene,
ethylbenzene, toluene and xylene, and even ammonia from cleaning products, the
researchers continue.
A NASA clean air study has shown adding plants to an office
environment can help purify the air of pollutants and remove a number of
harmful compounds, including formaldehyde.
According to the research, plants that have larger leaves do the
best job at removing pollutants. For optimal spacing place one medium-sized
plant per 2.2 square metres.
Those exposed to the compound say their eyes, nose and throat feel
more irritated, and they often experience more headaches, and in some cases
skin irritations.
Other harmful chemicals in the office may include benzene,
ethylbenzene, toluene and xylene, and even ammonia from cleaning products, the
researchers continue.
A NASA clean air study has shown adding plants to an office
environment can help purify the air of pollutants and remove a number of
harmful compounds, including formaldehyde.
According to the research, plants that have larger leaves do the
best job at removing pollutants. For optimal spacing place one medium-sized
plant per 2.2 square metres.
The article continues: 'Plant-associated bacteria could also help
to avoid outbreaks of pathogens by and balancing the complex network of the
ecosystem.
'A wholesome balance may reduce the incidence of viral illness and
the number of sick days among staff.'
Keep in mind that larger potted plants offer greater root mass and
soil surface, for helpful bacteria and root microbes.
A roomful of people breathing out carbon dioxide can also add to that 'stuffy' office feeling, especially if air conditioning is a problem.
Though adding more plants to the environment can help purify the
air by increasing oxygen, green spaces have also been shown to significantly
help with beating stress.
Studies have proven that seeing greenery and nature can help
promote greater feelings of relaxation and calmness, which can, in turn,
benefit your everyday mood.
If you're considering introducing plants into the office, consider
those varieties that that are easy to maintain, non-flowering (for colleagues
with potential allergy issues) and will survive for a few days without water.
Options such as Bromeliads, Peace Lilies, Devil's Ivy and Bamboo
Palm are all great choices.
Regards
Prof. Pralhad Jadhav
Master of Library &
Information Science (NET Qualified)
Senior Manager @ Knowledge
Repository
Khaitan & Co
Twitter Handle | @Pralhad161978
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