The effect of interior planting on health and discomfort among workers and school children

Posted by Phil Hollins on Jun 14, 2016

Authors: Fjeld, T.

Year of publication: 2000

Publication: Hort Technology 10, 1, 46-52

Keywords: work satisfaction, neuropsychological symptoms, plants, health, well-being,

Research undertaken by The Agricultural University, Norway (2000), studied the health response of people exposed to indoor plants and full-spectrum fluorescent lamps. In total 229 participants were recruited from three different work environments: an office building, a hospital X-ray department and a junior high school. Over the period of several months, the participants were asked to self-report health or discomfort symptoms.

The findings from the randomised study indicate that compared to baseline measurements, during the period of exposure to plants, or plants and full-spectrum lighting:

There was a 21–25 % decrease in reported sickness symptoms

Furthermore, the researchers found that the greatest improvement in symptoms were found to be a reduction in:

Neuropsychological symptoms – e.g. headache and fatigue
Mucous membrane symptoms – e.g. dry and hoarse throat

The researcher comments that for only a small economic investment, the use of indoor plants have the potential to increase productivity, work satisfaction, and reduce sick-leave.

The effect of interior planting on health and discomfort among workers and school children

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