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Interior landscaping specialists Fosters Breathing Space are helping UK businesses reduce levels of the toxic Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) formaldehyde, through use of office plants.

Numerous academic studies have proven that certain office plants can reduce levels of formaldehyde significantly in commercial office buildings, including a famous study conducted by Dr. Bill Wolverton and N.A.S.A. in the 1980’s.

Dr. Wolverton’s research proved beyond any doubt that office plants such as the Madonna Palm and the Bamboo Lily were capable of reducing the levels of airborne VOC’s including benzene, trichloroethylene and formaldehyde.

Formaldehyde is a colourless gas with a strong odour and can be found in almost every home and business premises across the UK. At some point every one of us has been or will be exposed to formaldehyde as it is used in many common items including carpets and other textiles, plastic products, paints, thermal insulation foams and furniture1.

Increased exposure to formaldehyde can cause both short and long term health problems from skin and eye irritation to respiratory damage and at its very worst impaired lung function, asthma and even cancer. Please note however, that many of these conditions are caused from increased direct exposure to formaldehyde and not by minimal everyday exposure, although less severe symptoms can be attributed to minimal contact.

Given that most of these items are found both in our home and work environments many UK residents are at risk of a ‘double-exposure’. In office environments exposure to formaldehyde can lead to reduced concentration levels and fatigue, alongside skin and eye problems.

With formaldehyde and other Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC’s) such as benzene and trichloroethylene, being found in most modern office buildings, office plants are an excellent way to combat this indoor pollution with minimum effort from you.

Office plants breathe in the VOC’s and turn the harmful gases into oxygen for us to breathe, providing you get the right mix of office plants not only do you get cleaner air but a stylish planted office display.

“Formaldehyde is a notorious gas that can cause serious health problems for anyone who is exposed to it for too long. Office plants not only help to clean the air of this potentially dangerous compound but they can also add a splash of colour to any office building” commented Daniel Foster, Managing Director of Fosters Breathing Space.

With many UK businesses losing money due to employee absences caused by symptoms associated with VOC’s, the planted office displays provided by Fosters Breathing Space are a beautiful investment all year round!

Notes to Editors

1. http://www.lhc.org.uk/members/pubs/factsht/82fact.htm