Cinnaminson, NJ, November 19th, 2015
Environmental Health Perspectives published a paper in October about a study that examined the cognitive function of workers in conventional and green office environments. Two dozen participants were observed by researchers over six full work days. The study participants were exposed to indoor environmental quality (IEQ) conditions that were representative of conventional office building environments and those from a green building.
The conventional office environment included higher volatile organic compound (VOC) concentrations in the air. The green office environment had low VOC concentrations and simulated a high outdoor air ventilation rate (labeled Green+) and artificially elevated carbon dioxide levels independent of ventilation. Researchers found that the cognitive scores of study participants were an average of 61% higher on the days they worked in a building environment with low pollution levels as compared to the days worked in a conventional office environment. In fact, when carbon dioxide levels were also low, participants working in the green office environment displayed cognitive scores that were 101% higher than when working in the conventional office environment.
“Not only is indoor air quality a vital component to the health and well-being of building occupants, but this latest study shows it also impacts people’s cognitive functions,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “While the study only looked at a few common indoor air quality pollutants, the results reinforce the importance of good air quality in the work environment. At EMSL, we provide testing services and real-time air monitoring equipment to help ensure healthy indoor air quality. These services and products are instrumental for determining what particulates, gases, chemicals and microbial pollutants may be present in an office or other environment. If issues are found, corrective measures can then be implemented.”
To learn more about this or other indoor air quality, occupational, environmental, health and safety testing services, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com. To view EMSL’s complete range of test kits, please visit www.EMSLTestKits.com.
About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider of environmental, indoor air quality, consumer product and materials testing services and products for professionals and the general public. The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies.