While much of the world is concerned with the pollution of cities, waterways, and the atmosphere, many forget of the pollution in indoor environments. Busy or crowded spaces, such as office buildings, are especially vulnerable to polluted air. Recently, this issue has only worsened as buildings have become more energy efficient. These changes often cause indoor environments to become more airtight, and as a result, the potential for poor indoor environmental quality increases. This is due to lack of circulation and the trapping of certain chemicals such as carbon dioxide. As a result, "green" buildings that are energy efficient AND designed to enhance indoor environmental quality have been developed. With these designs, researchers hope to study and identify the specific attributes of green building design that influence pollution levels.
Pollution in indoor environments has shown to have highly negative effects on cognitive functions. According to a recent study in which new green building designs were compared to old, it showed that cognitive performance scores for the participants who worked in new green environments were, on average, double those of participants who worked in conventional environments. Scores for those working in green environments were 61% higher. In relation to tests involving carbon dioxide levels, similar results were found, with cognitive functions decreasing as levels increased.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/10/151026171409.htm
Pollution in indoor environments has shown to have highly negative effects on cognitive functions. According to a recent study in which new green building designs were compared to old, it showed that cognitive performance scores for the participants who worked in new green environments were, on average, double those of participants who worked in conventional environments. Scores for those working in green environments were 61% higher. In relation to tests involving carbon dioxide levels, similar results were found, with cognitive functions decreasing as levels increased.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/10/151026171409.htm