Professional Documents
Culture Documents
2023
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A STUDY ABOUT INDOOR PLANTS INSIDE CLASSROOMS
The Use of Indoor Plants inside the Classroom: An Experimental Study for Better Air
Quality
THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND
Introduction
Indoor plants are essential in daily life. The concept of biophilia claims that humans
are interconnected with each other, wherein it claims that humans were born with emotional
connections with nature (Han et al., 2022). In Addition, plants can be used to improve the
air quality in every building. Plants possess the capacity to absorb and break down different
this capability is not yet fully utilized for efficient air purification indoors (Susanto et al.,
2020). Furthermore, indoor plants may serve as a supplementary strategy, offering extra
advantages such as visual appeal and stress reduction. Indoor air is typically more than
twice as polluted as outdoor air, and the health risks from prolonged exposure to indoor air
pollution are increasing. With this, indoor plants can serve as air purifiers, Lin (2022) states
that plants contribute to enhancing indoor air quality by facilitating air circulation through
According to (Susanto et al., 2020) the method of air purification through plants is
not widely recognized. Typically, plant selection for homes is influenced by aesthetic
appeal, durability, and minimal maintenance costs rather than their air-purifying abilities.
Furthermore, having nature around is said to be excellent for both mental and physical
well-being. (Pichlhöfer et al., 2021). As stated by (Bogerd et al., 2021), enhancing the
restorative
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A STUDY ABOUT INDOOR PLANTS INSIDE CLASSROOMS
attributes of indoor spaces might act as a safeguard against stress and mental health
In recent years, the idea of potted plants lowering indoor pollutants have gotten much
conducted by Cummings and Warings, (2020) stated that potted indoor plants can mitigate
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) in small-scale, sealed room over a given period or
timescales of hours or days. The shift from controlled room studies to real-world
indoor Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) loading is critical for gaining insight into their
practical efficacy for improving indoor air quality. However, using indoor plants to reduce
the impacts of air pollutants in a closed space may be useful, a small percentage of people
are still unaware of the relevance of plants and how they might help to reduce air pollutants
"plant blindness" results in a limited view of nature, which may lead to people and society
having a poor knowledge of critical environmental and conservation issues. The researchers
propose a method for educators to alleviate plant blindness by structuring a teaching unit
around students' interests in plants. This entails studying the preferences of pupils for
beneficial plants.
To effectively foster plant vision in students, educators must carefully pick the plant
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A STUDY ABOUT INDOOR PLANTS INSIDE CLASSROOMS
materials presented as examples in the classroom. In line with the significant effects of
indoor plants on the air quality inside a facility and on the well-being of the students and
faculty that utilize the rooms, it is important to consider and know the context in which air
pollution takes place. World Health Organization, (2021) stated that every year, the
combined impacts of outdoor and interior air pollution cause approximately 7 million
premature deaths, primarily due to increased mortality from stroke, IHD, COPD, lung
cancer, and acute respiratory infections. Air pollution can occur in both outdoor and indoor
settings which is caused by home cookstoves, automobiles, industrial facilities, and forest
fires. Particulate matter (PM; both PM 2.5 (i.e. particles with an aerodynamic diameter
equal to or less than 2.5 m) and PM10 (i.e. particles with an aerodynamic diameter equal to
or less than 10 m), ozone (O 3), nitrogen dioxide (NO 2), sulfur dioxide (SO 2), and carbon
monoxide (CO) are air pollutants with the strongest evidence for adverse health outcomes.
In our modern world, the rapid spread of air pollution must be given attention as it
rapidly increases the odds of people getting health complications especially children. As
mentioned by Qurratulain et al., 2019, air pollution is a rapidly developing and very
concerning issue all over the world, with individuals and governments releasing massive
amounts of dangerous pollutants into the atmosphere on a daily basis. These pollutants are
not only harmful to human health, animals, and plants, but they also contribute to global
reliable
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A STUDY ABOUT INDOOR PLANTS INSIDE CLASSROOMS
information will aid in the development of methods and means to limit pollution emissions
Millions of deaths are caused by indoor air pollution, which is a major risk to human
health. As indicated by Tran, Park, & Lee (2020), reduced indoor air quality (IAQ) in
homes and buildings has been connected to a number of symptoms and diseases during the
past few decades. Even at low concentrations, indoor exposure to inorganic, chemical,
physical, and biological pollutants is frequent, pervasive, and long-lasting. Hence, there has
always been a lot of concern and attention focused on the negative impacts of IAP on
human health. Given the substantial impacts indoor plants have on a facility’s air quality,
Wolverton (2020) stated that growing plants in our homes and offices is a commonly
acknowledged way to maintain this connection with nature. However, houseplants are
capable of far more than just making our surroundings look better; they can also
significantly improve the air we breathe, which is the lifeblood of our existence. In
addition, having indoor plants has several advantages, such as reducing stress and lowering
health risks. As stated by Sheeran & Rasmussen (2023), indoor plants are just as vital for
enhancing air quality and mental health, but planting strategies overlook the delivery of
aerial resources, even though these plants evolved in humid (sub)tropical conditions with
aerial root types. Apart from this, the majority of people in this generation choose to stay
indoors instead of going outside, which reduces our exposure to the fresh air that trees
provide. Not only outdoor pollution can harm people, but also indoor pollutants that we
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A STUDY ABOUT INDOOR PLANTS INSIDE CLASSROOMS
A study conducted by Cetin & Abo Aisha (2023) shows that indoor air pollution is
far greater than outdoor air pollution. Therefore, indoor air has a far greater impact on
human health than outdoor air. One of the best methods to reduce indoor air pollution is to
install plants. Furthermore, one of the chemicals found in household items is formaldehyde;
eliminating this pollutant from indoor air is important. Indoor plants are particularly
important among these practices since they aid in the regulation of indoor humidity,
González-Martín et. al (2021) established that the problem of indoor air pollution has
become more visible in recent years, and buildings are continuously getting sealed against
the environment to save energy for heating and cooling. Proved by the statement of
Winqvist et. al (2020) there are indoor air quality (IAQ) complaints that are commonly
recorded even in relatively new or renovated school buildings in Finland. Even in modern
and recently renovated structures, concerns related to indoor air quality commonly occur,
potentially affecting the health and well-being of students and teachers. Moreover,
particulate air pollution is a major health concern and is responsible for about one in nine
premature deaths worldwide. Significant exposure to particulate matter (PM) may happen
indoors because people spend a large fraction of their time inside buildings, as explained by
Budaniya & Rai (2022). Indoor plants have been suggested by the researchers as a potential
solution for removing PM as well as other pollutants from indoor air in the classrooms. As
highlighted by Diener & Mudu (2021) air pollution causes the largest death toll among
environmental risks worldwide. Indoor air pollution can be more threatening than outdoor
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A STUDY ABOUT INDOOR PLANTS INSIDE CLASSROOMS
the pollutants are much denser and there is not much space inside. Intervention tactics to
purify the pollutants in the air remain insufficient. Although well-established technologies
can remove certain toxins from indoor environments, methods capable of eliminating all of
them do not yet exist. Biological methods, however, which are based on plants and their
associated microorganisms, could hold significant promise, these findings have been
Good indoor air quality from low levels of air pollutants affects groups of people
positively. One that supports this is the study conducted by Han (2019), which revealed that
the participants' feelings of preference, naturalness of the environment, and pleasure were
stronger, the lower the levels of fine and suspended particles in the air. Indoor air quality
and microclimate controllable by low-energy indoor plants should be conducted with more
world as solutions for capturing air pollutants are not as effective as resolving pollution by
establishing indoor plants. These advanced technological equipment and methods may
bring more damage than what they can offer as advantages. From the point of view of Mata
et. al. (2022), in general, while it is proven short-term effective, traditional physicochemical
methods of absorbing air contaminants have certain negative effects over time as these are
unable to remove all of the primary gaseous pollutants at once, some are dangerous because
they release ozone, are costly, need frequent maintenance, may use a lot of energy, produce
waste and secondary pollutants, and have significant installation costs. Implementing the
use of indoor plants to clean up contaminated environments due to air pollution has already
been
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A STUDY ABOUT INDOOR PLANTS INSIDE CLASSROOMS
used a very long time ago and is still widely used by many. The effects of indoor ornaments
become more and more effective as they undergo certain collaboration with technology and
As stated by Gill et. al. (2020), since the 1980s, the use of phytoremediation air
pollution in inside settings has become widely spread and well-known. Through the
development of these practices as well as the active botanical biofiltration, or active green
wall systems, the effectuality of botanical systems in improving indoor air quality has
significantly increased. Using indoor plants that are arranged vertically and mechanical air
induction, active green walls can progressively remove pollution through foliage and
collaboration between the actual use of plants and the installation of technological methods
has surfaced to build strong mechanisms for improving air quality. In the study of Mannan
& Al-Ghamdi, (2021), it was highlighted that adopting sustainable processes to maintain
good indoor quality has become vital in the community. Active botanical biofiltration
(ABB) systems, in which air is cycled through the plant root zone as well as the growing
medium for maximal phytoremediation impact, were emphasized in the research on green
technologies for indoor air. Additionally, aside from the progression of mechanical devices,
purification systems due to several potential mechanisms including leaf surface, stomata,
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A STUDY ABOUT INDOOR PLANTS INSIDE CLASSROOMS
The increasing problem of air pollution continuously has a huge impact on human
health, especially on the most vulnerable groups in society: children and the elderly.
However, this air pollution doesn’t just pertain to the outside aspect but also to the indoor
air quality these people encounter and breathe in, which some may be unaware of. In
addition to that, in most parts of the world, there is insufficient information and data
gathered about indoor air pollutants, which are harmful to human health, especially to the
health of children and the elderly- considered to be vulnerable groups (Cho et. al., 2019).
Indoor air pollution can cause negative effects on human health that may lead to a
deteriorated environment over time. According to Wei et al. (2017), as cited by, Kumar et
al., (2023), there are two main strategies to reduce indoor pollution, reducing pollution
sources and using effective air purification methods to detoxify the contaminants already
present. As demonstrated by Lee et al. (2020) and Supreeth et al. (2021), bioremediation is
biophilic design which is natural indoor plants. Indoor plants are an affordable, sustainable,
and highly effective way to create therapeutic and healing spaces. Indoor plants contribute
to better indoor air quality and thermal regulation, reduce health risks associated with poor
indoor environmental qualities (IQ), increase building energy efficiency, and lead to related
financial gains. In particular, the beneficial effects of indoor plants on reducing stress and
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A STUDY ABOUT INDOOR PLANTS INSIDE CLASSROOMS
negative emotions, managing pain, promoting positive emotions, and improving task
performance are most notable in workplaces and educational settings. Indoor plants are a
common feature of offices due to their relatively low-cost solution rather than outdoor
Thatcher et al. (2020), walking in the outdoors during breaks, landscaping, seeing the
outdoors through an office window, and the presence of indoor plants are a few ways that
engaging with nature can be beneficial. Examining the effects of indoor plants on office
workers, field studies have documented three sorts of results: assessments of the work
environment, actual and perceived work performance, and self-reported physical health at
work. In contrast to a control condition, the plants in the laboratory study influence work
performance and assessments of the work environment. Air pollutants is one if not the
greatest environmental health risk the world is attributed to, which can be found both
indoors and outdoors. Since air pollution is greatly influenced by human activity, real-
world conditions rather than just lab-scale research must be taken into consideration.
Widespread plantings raise the air's oxygen content, which contributes to maintaining a
healthy balance between carbon dioxide and oxygen. As stated by Kim et al., (2020), the
mechanism of phytoremediation in the air relies on the absorption of airborne contaminants
climate change is facilitated in part by greenhouse gas emissions. Increased frequency and
intensity of heatwaves due to climate change means higher energy use. The importance of
encouraging surface greening in heavily populated areas is growing as people become more
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A STUDY ABOUT INDOOR PLANTS INSIDE CLASSROOMS
aware of the risks associated with climate change. Two strategies that plants can employ to
modify the air within buildings and maintain a healthy ecosystem are phytoremediation and
evaporative cooling. The advantages of indoor nature for physical and mental health can be
proven to be respond positively to natural things and living things. People are really
interested in using green plants in their homes because of the positive effects they can have
on people. People can benefit from having physical contact with nature, which can reduce
stress and help them learn and grow. Plus, studies have shown that having greenery in a
workspace can have a positive effect on people's attitudes and behavior, as well as their
overall happiness and satisfaction. This has led to people wanting to look at how living
greenery can improve the built environment, not just its looks. The primary evidence of the
Eligibility criteria included studies conducted with interventions of any type of indoor plant
(excluding biofilters that combined power facilities and vegetation), comparators included
within or between the same experimental treatment, air quality effects measured objectively
using any instrument, any study design, and the ability to screen 95 journal articles for
quantitative empirical research. Information was compiled based on the intervention, type
of plant, scientific family name, study design, air quality, research environment, and
climate. Sampling frequency or period, as well as the number of replications, were also
taken into account. People in developed countries spend a lot of time inside, so it's no
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A STUDY ABOUT INDOOR PLANTS INSIDE CLASSROOMS
for people's health. Especially in new, energy-efficient homes, the main sources of indoor
PM pollution come from things like cooking, candles, and incense, as well as any outside
PM pollution that gets in through the vents. Even burning incense, which has been around
for decades, can have a big effect on the indoor air since it releases more PAH and PM2.5,
which can increase the risk of heart disease and seriously affect the lungs. To make sure
everyone is comfortable, buildings are often equipped with ACMV systems. Advancements
in air filtration technology have improved the efficiency of AC systems, improving indoor
air quality and providing optimal thermal comfort to building tenants. However, AC
or radiation, however, these are costly and not suitable for residential use. A more cost-
effective approach to air purification may be utilizing indoor plants, which are capable of
purifying the air by eliminating air pollutants and cultivating airborne microbes. This
approach could be suitable for a wide range of environments, with no special requirements,
and can also provide aesthetic benefits that may have an indirect effect on human health.
Plants have an important role to us humans in our physical and even mental well-
being. Other people spend their day in indoor spaces. putting indoor plants can give humans
a healthier life physically and mentally, it can reduce their stress and gain more strength to
work for a day. As stated in a study conducted by Toyoda et al., (2023), A person spends
about 90% of their time indoors. Numerous studies have demonstrated a connection
between
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A STUDY ABOUT INDOOR PLANTS INSIDE CLASSROOMS
the interior environment and human performance. Humans are influenced by various
aspects of their indoor settings, including air quality and design. The presence of plants in
the classroom can help pupils feel more at ease and concentrate on their studies due to the
improved air quality. Moreover, as explained by Angela Haupt et al., (2023), It's true that
"plants make people happy," as the unofficial motto of the plant-loving community goes: in
one experiment, participants felt happier after spending five to ten minutes in a room with a
few houseplants than they did in a room without any plants. One research analysis found
that the longer people are exposed to plants, the more comfortable they feel and the more
happy emotions they experience. The authors also found that purple and green plants were
especially good in lowering negative emotions. There is also a correlation between higher
life happiness and self-esteem and spending time among plants. Having toxic heavy metals
in soil and water can have various harmful effects on the environment. Considering the
phytoremediation can be effective and useful to use. Especially to the soil that accumulates
of toxic heavy metals. Based on a study conducted by Yaashikaa et al., (2022), toxic heavy
metal buildup in soil and water streams is now recognized as a major environmental issue
that has detrimental consequences on both plants and animals. One efficient, cost-effective,
and environmentally friendly method of bioremediation that can be used to detoxify and
Hyperaccumulators release molecules known as transporters, which move and transfer the
heavy metals from the soil to various plant sections. Higher amounts of hazardous heavy
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A STUDY ABOUT INDOOR PLANTS INSIDE CLASSROOMS
These days, air pollution has a negative impact on human health. Putting plants
outdoors and indoor can help reduce air pollution, and can have good benefits for humans.
As mentioned in a study conducted by Sofia D. et al., (2020) The negative health effects of
air pollution are becoming more widely acknowledged. As a result, effective mitigation
techniques must be used to achieve significant co-benefits for the environment and human
health. A sensible strategy for lessening the negative impacts of air pollution on the
environment and public health is put forth. Since exposure to air pollution is clearly linked
to an increase in the short- and long-term harmful affects on human health, the scientific
community as well as the general public are particularly interested in the declining status of
urban air quality. Correspondingly, the city is perceived as an area filled with noise and
pollution; vegetation can assist lower air pollution. It can help to change the air quality in
urban parks. Moreover, as indicated by Xing and Brimblecombe et al., (2019), urban parks
have long been regarded as havens away from the hustle and bustle, clamor, and pollution
of the surrounding metropolis. The phrase "lungs of the city" was applied to parks, and
research on the deposition of toxins on leaf surfaces reinforced this concept. In addition to
the numerous significant functions that urban vegetation offers, air filtration has recently
come to be recognized as an ecosystem service. The role that leaf deposition plays in
lowering the amounts of air pollutants in urban areas is sometimes contested, though.
vegetation because of the change in turbulence and wind speed caused by increased
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A STUDY ABOUT INDOOR PLANTS INSIDE CLASSROOMS
This paper presents an idea on the effects of indoor plants to the indoor air quality.
To verify the accuracy, tests will be conducted by the researchers. As explained by Kim et
al. (2020), air pollution is a significant issue that fuels both severe illnesses and climate
change. Air pollution is the major cause of death for seven million people annually, since
90% of people breathe it in. Indoor air pollution is 100 times more contaminated than
outside air pollution, and it has a more direct impact on human health than atmospheric
pollution. Indoor pollutants are 1,000 times more likely to get into the lungs and cause
conditions including sick building syndrome and vertigo. To reduce exposure to air
pollution, new initiatives have been launched, including the development of air purifiers
and tools for measuring air quality. Accordingly, students' mental health improved as a
result of being exposed to more greenery during COVID-19, with symptoms of anxiety and
isolation is highlighted by the way it enhanced social support and boosted involvement,
both indoors and outdoors. Interestingly, a study by Browning et al. (2021) found that
having greenery around them makes students who are depressed or anxious feel less alone
and more supported. Many plants in homes and surroundings help reduce rates and
encourages social engagement and support, indoor greenery may exacerbate feelings of
isolation. Students who stayed home for the most of the COVID-19 pandemic reported
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A STUDY ABOUT INDOOR PLANTS INSIDE CLASSROOMS
strategies, and research-based data are necessary for effective air pollution management.
Bezirtzoglou et al. (2020) claim that because air pollution affects both individual and public
health and contributes to climate change, it is one of the largest issues of our day. An
increase in illness and death rates is also associated with air pollution. A wide range of
pollutants contribute significantly to human illness. Among these are particulate matter
(PM), which are tiny, variable-diameter particles that can cause respiratory, neurological,
and reproductive issues in addition to entering the respiratory system through inhalation
and causing cancer. The majority of Westernized people spend ninety percent of their time
indoors, which highlights the importance of indoor air quality. Indoor air quality is affected
by external pollutants, ventilation, allergens, heating, and smoking, among other activities.
As stated by Bartel et al. 2020, air pollution and climate change have a major
negative impact on people's health and well-being and can worsen pre-existing illnesses
like asthma and allergic rhinitis, among other chronic respiratory problems. Apart from the
direct harm to human health, human activities such as traffic and other outdoor air pollution
also accelerate global warming and raise the allergenic potential of certain plants. The
massive changes that our world experience as the way of living innovates, the health of
people, animals, and our ecosystem will also encounter new issues and developing
concerns. From the point of view of Schneidemesser et al. (2020), air quality and climate
change are intricately related. Not only do some air pollutants have a direct effect on
radiative forcing (e.g., ozone (O3) and particulate matter (PM), including black carbon),
and hence climate change, but changing climate can also affect air quality. Furthermore,
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A STUDY ABOUT INDOOR PLANTS INSIDE CLASSROOMS
emission sources, mitigation approaches like the use of indoor plants will most likely have
This study aims to delve into exploring the impact of indoor plants in providing better air
quality indoor with a particular focus on the classroom facilities of Mary the Queen College
of Pampanga Inc. this academic year 2023-2024, in essence, this research seeks to address
3. How to use indoor plants in classrooms to improve air quality and create a healthier
learning environment?
4. What are the potential issues and difficulties involved with the use of indoor plants in
educational settings to improve air quality, and how may these challenges be effectively
addressed?
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A STUDY ABOUT INDOOR PLANTS INSIDE CLASSROOMS
Hypothesis
Null:
Alternative:
Theoretical Framework
this study because spending time in outdoors or other natural settings helps improve and
recover cognitive function and attention. Spending time in nature or interacting with natural
elements can help to replenish mental resources and enhance concentration and attention. In
natural settings, the efficacy of attention restoration can be significantly influenced by air
quality. Air pollution exposure has been linked to a number of health issues, such as
indoor contexts requires careful evaluation of indoor air quality. Developing areas that are
free of indoor air pollutants and have a pleasing aesthetic can help to create a setting that
promotes general wellbeing and cognitive recovery. To improve indoor air quality, this may
entail making decisions about design, ventilation techniques, and the usage of indoor
plants.
Attention Restoration Theory (ART) was coined by Rachel and Stephen Kaplan in 1980.
According to
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A STUDY ABOUT INDOOR PLANTS INSIDE CLASSROOMS
the attention restoration theory (ART), spending time in nature or even just gazing at
images of it can improve a person's ability to focus. There are many "soft fascinations" in
natural settings that one can consider with "effortless attention," like clouds floating
through the sky, leaves rustling in the wind, or water bubbling over rocks in a stream. ART
focuses on the cognitive benefits that nature can provide and makes the assumption that
nature is able to restore an individual's capacity to focus or direct attention when it has been
diminished.
To investigate the effects of indoor plants, the theory will provide a better
understanding of how it affects students' physical and mental health. This theory will be
instrumental in explaining whether improved air quality and good physical and mental
well-being help individuals concentrate and focus better while replenishing their cognitive
resources.
Conceptual Framework
INPUT PROCESS OUTPUT