---
title: The effect of interior planting on health and discomfort among workers and school children
description: Research undertaken by The Agricultural University, Norway (2000), studied the health response of people exposed to indoor plants
image: http://www.naava.io/hubfs/kasvit.jpg
---

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

Posted by [Phil Hollins](https://www.naava.io/science/author/phil-hollins) on Jun 14, 2016

**Authors:** Fjeld, T.

**Year of publication:** 2000

**Publication:** Hort Technology 10, 1, 46-52

**Keywords:** [work satisfaction](https://www.naava.io/en/science/topic/work-satisfaction), [neuropsychological symptoms](https://www.naava.io/en/science/topic/neuropsychological-symptoms), [plants](https://www.naava.io/en/science/topic/plants), [health](https://www.naava.io/en/science/topic/health), [well-being](https://www.naava.io/en/science/topic/well-being), 

[ Link to publication](http://horttech.ashspublications.org/content/10/1/46.full.pdf+html) 

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.

[Back](https://www.naava.io/science)

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