Abstract

This study provides novel evidence on the isolated effect of carbon dioxide on cognition,
economic decision-making, and the physiological response in healthy office workers. The
experiment took place in an air-tight respiration chamber fully controlling the environmental
conditions. In a single-blind, within-subject study design, 20 healthy participants were
exposed to carbon dioxide concentrations of 3,000 ppm and 900 ppm in randomized order,
with each exposure lasting for 8 hours. We do not find evidence on a statistically significant
effect on either cognitive or physiological outcome variables. Thus, the evidence shows
that the human body appears to be able to deal with exposure to indoor carbon dioxide
concentration of 3,000 ppm without suffering significant cognitive decline, changes in
decision-making or showing any physiological response.
Original languageEnglish
PublisherIZA - Institute for Labour Economics, Bonn
Number of pages34
Publication statusPublished - May 2024

Publication series

SeriesIZA Discussion Paper Series
Number17019
ISSN2365-9793

JEL classifications

  • d87 - Neuroeconomics
  • j24 - "Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity"
  • q54 - "Climate; Natural Disasters; Global Warming"

Keywords

  • carbon dioxide
  • indoor air quality
  • cognition
  • ECONOMIC DECISION-MAKING
  • physiological responses

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