Buzz
Humans take in oxygen—a fact you likely know—and exhale carbon dioxide. In a confined space, carbon dioxide can accumulate in the air. Some studies suggest that meeting rooms and classrooms may trap enough carbon dioxide to reach levels that impair cognitive function.
It’s a complex issue, and Veronique Greenwood recently examined it for the New York Times. Some research shows that people perform worse on problem-solving tests after breathing air with 2,500 parts per million of carbon dioxide (a relatively high concentration seen in classrooms or meeting rooms).
However, other studies, including those conducted by NASA involving proofreading tasks, found no link between stuffy air and performance. Perhaps the effects are only evident on specific types of tests, or there may be factors like study design or other environmental conditions that influence how people are able to think.
Since poor ventilation could be an issue, a simple solution for both you and me is to open a window if you’re spending extended time in a crowded, enclosed space—or to step outside when you have the opportunity. Yes, you might have to contend with allergies or outdoor pollution, but taking a walk or spending time in nature tend to be good for you anyway.
