A Pilot Study on the Combined Multi-domain Impact of Indoor Air Quality and Noise on Office Productivity

As people spend 90% of their time indoors, it was necessary to improve indoor environmental quality enhance human productivity. Indoor consists air (IAQ), thermal, visual, and acoustic comfort. However, only a few studies have investigated the combined effects IAQ noise. During after COVID-19 pandemic, portable cleaner is often used in buildings reduce concentration particles air, but also generates The objective this study determine on noise level, more importantly resulting office For purpose, we conducted subject tests an each test lasted for 1.5h. case, temperature, relative humidity, supply airflow rate were kept constant while switched between off various levels IAQ. We recruited 7 participants collected data CO 2 , particles, TVOC every 5 minutes. wristbands measure heart skin electrodermal activity. And headbands electroencephalogram (EEG) facial questionnaire survey learn occupants’ responses environment. To productivity, occupants did math addition tasks typing tasks. found that when using cleaner, level raised from 55dB around 70dB. particle concentrations reduced by 20%, respectively. showed felt unsatisfied due dissatisfaction exceeded improved By analyzing EEG number jaw clenches, nervous concentrated on. confirmed impact