People feel better in the presence of plants

A two-year study by Professor Dr Tove Fjeld of the University of Agriculture in Oslo found that 82% of the project's participants felt better in the presence of plants.

The study, which took place between Autumn 1994 and Autumn 1996, investigated the perception of how one's own health will improve with house plants in the office.

The study focused on 12 symptoms such as fatigue and coughing which in former studies had been related to the climate indoors

Professor Fjeld placed plants in the offices using the crossover method: After an initial period without plants, a standard number were placed in one half of the offices for 12 months before being moved to the remaining half.

The results showed that the workers felt better surrounded by plants. In fact, the questionnaire results found there was a 25% drop in the number of complaints about the 12 symptoms investigated.

The majority of the participants were also eager to have plants around them in the future.