Air purifying plants

Most employees spend a majority of their time in the office, so it’s important to create a space where they feel productive and comfortable. Plants are incredibly beneficial to indoor workspaces, not only because they boost employee morale, but they also have air purifying qualities. All plants can act as air cleaners, but some are more beneficial than others when it comes to removing toxins in the air.

According to the Clean Air Study, which was performed by NASA and the Associated Landscape Contractors of America, the toxins which cause sick building syndrome are:

• Trichloroethylene - Found in printing inks, paints and varnishes 
• Formaldehyde - Found in paper bags, facial tissues and paper towels 
• Benzene - Found in plastic resins, dyes and furniture wax 
• Xylene - Found in rubber, leather and paint 
• Ammonia - Found in window cleaners, floor waxes and fertilizers

These toxins have been shown to produce adverse health effects to those exposed to them. The severity of effects depends on how often and how much to which you are exposed. Below are just some of the adverse effects people potentially face when exposed to these specific toxins in the short term:

• Trichloroethylene - dizziness, headaches, nausea and vomiting 
• Formaldehyde - irritation to nose, mouth and throat and in severe cases swelling of the larynx and lungs 
• Benzene - irritation to eyes, dizziness, headaches, confusion and drowsiness 
• Xylene - irritation to mouth and throat, heart problems, headaches and dizziness 
• Ammonia - eye irritation, coughing and sore throat

Luckily, Ambius provides air purifying plants that combat the toxins listed above. For example:

• Red-Edged Dracaena - Trichloroethylene, Formaldehyde, Benzene, Xylene
• Weeping Fig - Formaldehyde, Xylene
• Bamboo Palm - Formaldehyde, Xylene
• Broadleaf Lady Palm - Formaldehyde, Xylene, Ammonia
• Chrysanthemums - Trichloroethylene, Formaldehyde, Benzene, Xylene, Ammonia
• English Ivy - Trichloroethylene, Formaldehyde, Benzene, Xylene

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) describes “situations in which building occupants experience acute health and comfort effects that appear to be linked to time spent in a building, but no specific illness or cause can be identified.” SBS is primarily about the air quality within a building. If a building has poor air quality, its occupants may not only get sick, but will likely not be working at full capacity while inside.

Sick Building Syndrome Causes:

• Inadequate ventilation
• Chemical toxins - Indoor (i.e. adhesives, manufactured wood)
• Chemical toxins - Outdoor (i.e. automobile or building exhaust)
• Biological contaminants (i.e. bacteria, mold, viruses)

A great way to combat toxins in the air is to bring plants into your space. As natural air purifiers, plants can play a large role in making your workplace a healthier place to be.

For more information on how your workspace can reap the benefits of indoor plants, contact your local Ambius consultant.