Environment
Millions of people work in enclosed spaces, some spending up to 90% of their time indoors. Modern buildings are often hermetically sealed to prevent heat loss, and gases (Volatile Organic Compounds such as benzene and formaldehyde) from synthetic materials and the solvents, glues and resins used in the manufacture of modern furnishings, as well as modern building materials, are trapped inside, making the indoor air quality poorer than the air outside. Electronic devices are also known to emit various organic compounds.
When the relative humidity of office air is too low, costly materials such as wood become damaged and crack. When it is too high the condensation of windows and exterior walls can result in costly structural damage. Plants moderate and stabilise humidity and can have a cooling effect in a hot indoor environment. They create a humidity level that is equivalent to the optimum human comfort range of 30-60%. Broadleaved plants can also reduce noise and echo in large open plan spaces.
How do we know all this? It all started with NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) Faced with the task of creating a life-support system for planned moon bases, they began extensive studies on treating and recycling air and wastewater. This led to the discovery that houseplants could purify and revitalise air in sealed test-chambers.
Fifty common indoor plants were tested, and are rated according to their ability to remove indoor air pollution. LivingGreen aims to develop its plant collection to include all of these.
