“...estimated that 90% of our time
is spent indoors inhaling a variety of
pollutants known as VOC's.”

Plants Are Clean Air Machines

Remember, the benefits of plantscaping are enormous –- not only aesthetically pleasing but actively purifying air of internal environments. Early research from The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in America has consistently shown that living green and flowering plants can remove several toxic chemicals from air within building interiors.

Recent research on this subject has been carried out at the University of Technology in Sydney, they have been undertaking laboratory and office studies into the effectiveness of pot plants in reducing indoor air pollution. They are starting to hone in on the exact mechanism by which indoor plants remove VOC's from the indoor air, and also are quantifying (through field trails), the density of plant material required.

It was found that VOC's are removed by mircroorganisms living in the soil near the roots of indoor plants and they can remove significantly the level of volatile organic compounds in the office air. If pot plants are happy and well maintained they are extremely efficient in reducing VOC pollutants and improve almost every aspect of indoor environment quality. Plants are cost effective in comparison to complex air conditioning filter systems and provide a means for discreet implementation of a solution to an environmental problem.

The Frenchams Group primary goal is the creation of a visually inviting environment through the innovative use of foliage and flowering plants. Healthy, thriving interior plants will enhance any situation whilst also assisting in the reduction of stress in buildings and other company facilities.

While we may consider that our home is our sanctuary the air we are breathing indoors is now more polluted than the air outside. In addition it has been estimated that 90% of our time is spent indoors inhaling a variety of pollutants known as VOC's. (Volatile Organic Compounds), which are found in plastics, synthetics, paints, furnishing glues, cosmetics and solvents to name a few. Research has found if you smell that new office smell, you are scenting the toxic VOC's. Research has shown indoor pot plants usually reduce volatile organic componets by 50 per cent to 70 per cent. Pot plants clean indoor air in both air conditioned and non air conditioned environments.

Overseas studies are finding that the pollution from VOC's, even at very low levels, can cause 'sick building syndrome' (SBS) and building related illnesses with symptoms such as loss of concentration, headaches, dry eyes, nose, throat, a feeling of dizziness and mild nausea. Commitment to not only improving the environment in which they do business but also the health and wellbeing of their employees should always be the number one priority of any company.

It is important to know that indoor plants can reduce the number of contaminants by up to 75% down to completely negligible levels. Any standard indoor plant will do, because the micro organisms of the potting mix which actually do the sucking up and degrading them harmless carbon dioxide. The plant does play a direct role, but its main task is feeding and supporting the micro organisms, and so you have a little microcosm there, a symbiotic relationship with the plants and microbes cooperating.

“Plants are cost effective in comparison
to complex air conditioning filter systems.”

Office ill feeling

In new buildings, some chemicals disappear quickly while others continue slowly 'off gassing' for years.

Poor air quality culprits include chemicals found in:

(If waste gases are not removed effectively from a room or building via vents, levels of nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide can reach dangerous levels.)