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The Effect of Indoor Foliage Plants on Health and Discomfort Symptoms among Office Workers

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Abstract

Indoor plantings are widely used in building environments though little is known regarding the way office workers respond to indoor foliage plants. The objective of the present study was to assess the effect of foliage plants in the office on health and symptoms of discomfort among office personnel. A cross-over study with randomised period order was conducted; one period with plants in the office and one period without. A questionnaire consisting of 12 questions related to neuropsychological symptoms, mucous membrane symptoms and skin symptoms was distributed among the 51 healthy subjects who participated in the study. It was found that the score sum of symptoms was 23% lower during the period when subjects had plants in their offices compared to the control period. (Mean score sum was 7.1 during the period without plants vs. 5.6 during the period with plants.) Complaints regarding cough and fatigue were reduced by 37 and 30%, respectively, if the offices contained plants. The self-reported level of dry/hoarse throat and dry/itching facial skin each decreased approximately 23% when plants were present. Overall, a significant reduction was obtained in neuropsychological symptoms and mucous membrane symptoms, while skin symptoms seemed to be unaffected by the presence of plants. The results from this study suggest that an improvement in health and a reduction in symptoms of discomfort may be obtained after introduction of foliage plants into the office environment.
... Indoor plants not only play a significant role in combating air pollution but also improves the indoor environment providing a positive psychological impact and promoting the health and comfort of the people (Han 2009;Xu et al., 2011). Fjeld et al. (1998) noted that the improvement in health was obtained by introduction of foliage plants in to the office environment, which shows a significant reduction in neuropsychological symptoms and mucous membrane symptoms. Ali Khan et al. (2016) in their survey demonstrated that a hospital ward filled with potted plants and flower arrangements provided a "satisfying, relaxing, comfortable, colourful, calm, and attractive" atmosphere for patients, resulting in improvedvital signs in patients' ...
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With the rapid urbanization and population explosion, the air quality has declined over the years which have resulted in stress, depression and multiple respiratory diseases. As density of people has increased over a given area, proportionately the need of clean and fresh air has also increased. Horticulture science has come up with very unique idea of interiorscaping as a solution to all problems. Plants not only help to groom the interiors but also contribute to the psychological well-being of humans. Indoor plants play a significant role in improving indoor air quality, due to their capacity to absorb toxins and carbon dioxide and regulating the humidity level.The use of indoor plants could prove to be a cost-efficient way of indoor air-purification that could be adapted for a variety of environments and can also add an aesthetic value that can have an indirect impact on human health.Many species of ornamental shrubs and herbaceous landscape plants have been identified as phytoremediator to improve indoor and outdoor air quality. During the Covid-19 pandemic, the use of indoor plants has gained attention as a new possible eco-friendly tool for indoor air purification and for reducing the spread of COVID-19 in confined places. The goal is to create a synergetic environment for both plants and humans.
... In work environments, interaction with green areas, combined with lighting control and sunlight penetration, mitigates the negative impact of work-related stress, reduces the intention to quit, and enhances overall well-being, positively influencing productivity (82). One study suggested that introducing foliage plants into the office environment can lead to improved health and a reduction in discomfort symptoms (-23%), particularly cough (-37%), fatigue (-30%), dry/hoarse throat and dry/itching facial skin (-23%) (83). Residential environments offering areas with abundant and diverse green components stimulate children positively, improving cognitive functions (84) and enhancing performance in tasks requiring attention and cognitive processing. ...
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... The existing literature has proved the positive effect of the exposure to plants and other elements of nature on emotion [11], physiology [12][13][14][15], cognition [16][17][18][19], behaviour [20][21][22] and health [23][24][25][26]. ...
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... The design of an engaging indoor garden, the involvement of a professional plant designer, and the survival rate of plants all influence the occupants' comfort. Interactions between plants and people contribute to a more pleasant living environment [15]. Considerations such as the edibility of seeds produced by the indoor plants and residents' involvement in plant maintenance activities, such as watering and cultivation, can mitigate stress [16]. ...
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The escalating challenges posed by greenhouse effects and the imperative for sustainable solutions have garnered global attention towards mitigating environmental harm, with buildings emerging as significant contributors to carbon emissions. This case study meticulously examines the Shunde Country Garden Headquarters Building, a visually captivating exemplar of plant integration within architectural frameworks. While the initial design emphasizes aesthetics and sustainability, a deeper exploration uncovers shortcomings in considering the well-being of occupants. The integration of plants into building structures holds promise in carbon absorption and reduced energy consumption, making a positive contribution to sustainability. However, the Shunde case underscores challenges such as insufficient natural light, poor ventilation, and elevated indoor humidity levels. These issues highlight the critical necessity of aligning architectural designs with human experiences, transcending mere aesthetics and sustainability. This study also reveals a noticeable oversight in the social dimension of buildings integrated with plants within existing certifications and architectural practices. While certifications like LEED, WELL, Envision, and BREEAM primarily evaluate sustainability from a conventional standpoint, architects often prioritize aesthetics over the living experiences of occupants. The absence of comprehensive guidelines addressing human well-being and comfort impedes the widespread adoption of Vertical Greenery Systems (VGS). In response, this project aims to propose a design guideline that holistically considers environmental, economic, and social aspects. By accentuating occupants' comfort and well-being, the objective is to unlock the practical potential of VGS across various countries. The proposed design guideline encompasses environmental, economic, and social considerations. It delves into lighting, support, and landscape elements for the environment, and addresses economic aspects such as potential, construction, design, and landscape economy. Importantly, the social aspect takes precedence in the guideline, concentrating on innovation, location, and landscape. By addressing environment, economy, and society, this paper endeavors to elevate the impact of Vertical Greenery Systems on human well-being and comfort, fostering a sustainable and harmonious relationship between architecture and nature.
... Research on SBS focused primarily on issues related to ventilation, access to daylight and window views. Greenery issues have rarely been addressed, however, a 1990s study conducted in selected office buildings showed that SBS symptoms among employees were noticeably lower (on average by 21%) in spaces with substantial amounts of plants than in rooms without them [37]. It was also demonstrated that zones with visual access to windows overlooking a landscape with greenery had a better impact on employee health and wellbeing compared to those without such contact [38]. ...
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