The impact of indoor carbon dioxide on human cognition, behaviour, and metabolic health

There is increasing evidence that the level of carbon dioxide (CO2) inside buildings can harm the cognitive performance and health of occupants. This interdisciplinary study aims to contribute new insights by examining the effect of eight hours of exposure to CO2 on the cognitive, behavioural, and metabolic responses of humans. The study used a cross-over design, in which 20 healthy white-collar workers were exposed on two test days to either 0.08% CO2 or 0.3% CO2. Furthermore, a variety of physiological parameters were continuously measured. Understanding under what conditions the health and cognitive capacities of office workers can be brought out to full effect is key for productivity growth. This is of practical importance for policymakers, companies, and real estate developers.