Plants can reduce sickness

Plants can reduce sickness

JAKARTA (JP): Decorative plants in offices are effective in
preventing a disease called Sick Building Syndrome, a researcher
said.

Budi Harianto, an expert in environmental health at the
University of Indonesia, said the syndrome comes from inhaling
polluted air in closed rooms.

The syndrome which causes skin and eye irritation, coughing,
and headaches, "can be reduced by placing decorative plants to
enable the recycling of polluted air," Budi was quoted by Antara
as saying.

The plants' metabolism within its leaves, roots, and flowers
reduces dangerous chemical substances, Budi, a lecturer at the
Public Health Faculty said.

Suitable plants include Palem Bambu, evergreens, ivys and
lilies, he said.

Budi said the strange syndrome was suffered mostly by people
working inside rooms with poor air flow.

The air is commonly polluted by benzene, formaldehyde, and
carbon monoxide from office equipment such as printer ink, paint,
plastic, rubber, and carpets.

Air pollution also stems from wax paper, tissue paper, glue,
and varnish, he said.

Proper ventilation can reduce the spread of the syndrome. (08