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