Reduced productivity, bad moods and increased allergies have all been linked to chemicals that float in the air at room temperature, or volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
VOCs are present in carpets, paint and furniture in Australian homes with research showing concentrations indoors are up to ten times higher than they are outdoors.
In a new study, scientists have discovered that simply adding one medium-sized plant (of up to 50cm) to a medium-sized room (of about 4x5ms) can increase interior air quality by up to 25 per cent.
The Plant Life Balance App allows you to upload a photograph of your space to give it a health rating. If the rating is low, you can use the app to drag and drop plants over the photo of your area to see how a number of plants can improve your health, wellness and air quality. And it is FREE!
“Human beings are less and less among nature with current estimates indicating that urban dwellers spend 90 per cent of their time in indoor environments – resulting in a high level of exposure to indoor contaminant compounds. Based on the leaf area and the species’ ability to remove certain contaminants, we were able to calculate how many of our sample plants were needed to improve air quality and well being in spaces of various sizes. Through this study, we also found there is also no mistake – indoor plants improve air quality by filtering airborne toxins caused by organic chemicals in things like paints and furniture finishes.” (Commissioned by Hort Innovation and delivered by scientists at RMIT University and the University of Melbourne)
With the app, you can:
- Rate your space – how healthy is it making you?
- Style your space – photograph your room, then drag and drop some plants in.
- Get the look that’s right for you – ten styled looks that are healthy too.
