Ever feel like your brain is frazzled after a day at work? Office air may be to blame.
A new study published in Environmental Health Perspectives suggests inhaling stuffy office air can diminish your brain power by more than half of its usual function.
The study asked 24 office workers to stay in a building for six days while scientists artificially altered carbon dioxide (CO2) levels and volatile organic compound (VOC) levels.
VOCs are chemicals used in manufacturing that we encounter in our everyday lives through items such as paint.
The participants were asked to take cognition tests before, during and after the six-day period.
Participant's scores improved by 61% on "green days" where VOC levels were low, when compared to average days.
Then, their scores improved even further on "green +" days where VOC levels were low and the rooms had high outdoor ventilation rates.
So crack a window or even better, go for a walk at lunchtime if you want to be your most productive at work.
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