An office might seem a safe haven compared to a coal mine or building site, but poor air quality can cause nasty, health threatening symptoms. The answer? Get a plant or two.

Poorly ventilated offices are at risk of causing “sick building syndrome” in which people suffer symptoms that worsen during the working day, including rashes, headaches, sneezing, coughs, and fatigue.

Chemicals known as volatile organic compounds, released into the air from furniture, carpets, machinery, and cleaning fluids, can build up to toxic levels. Adding to this noxious mix are dust, mold, and bacteria.

Australian researchers tested different plants’ abilities to remove airborne chemicals in offices. They found that three or more large plants per person in an office can indeed improve air quality by removing half of all VOCs, as well as stripping out nearly all carbon monoxide from the air.

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