The findings demonstrated a correlation between elevated TVOC levels in the workplace and reduced creativity among individuals, as seen by lower scores in creative potential.
Scientists from Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore, have undertaken a study that reveals the beneficial effects of high-quality indoor air on respiratory health and levels of creativity.
The study demonstrates that elevated concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), derived from typical indoor products such as detergents, insecticides, fragrances, aerosol sprays, and paint, can have an adverse impact on creativity in a professional environment.
The decrease in volatile organic compounds (VOC) is directly correlated with an improvement in efficiency.
By employing statistical analysis, the research team determined that reducing total volatile organic compounds (TVOC) by 72 percent could increase a student’s creative capacity by 12 percent.
TVOC is a measure that indicates the amount of volatile organic compounds in the air. These compounds come from various sources such as paints, carpets, detergents, and air fresheners.
What methodology was employed in the study?
The research, showcased in the journal Scientific Reports, comprised 87 university students at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, who were situated in a regulated setting that replicated an indoor workplace.
The participants were assigned the task of building 3D structures using LEGO bricks, while the study team varied the air quality by employing different combinations of air filters. This manipulation affected the levels of pollutants such as carbon dioxide, PM2.5 (particles with a diameter less than 2.5 micrometres), and TVOC.
Results
The results suggested that greater TVOC levels in the workstation were connected with participants coming up with less creative solutions, as evidenced by lower scores in creative potential.
The research team, led by Assistant Professor Ng Bing Feng and Associate Professor Wan Man Pun, highlighted the necessity of maintaining adequate indoor air quality for improving creative cognition.
“While most people would accurately link indoor air quality with impacts on the lungs, especially because we just emerged from a pandemic, our study demonstrates that it could also have an impact on the mind and creative cognition, or the ability to use knowledge in an innovative way. Our findings imply that relatively low TVOC levels, even if far inside the established threshold, could impair an individual’s creative potential,” Ng said.