As an indoor generation, we spend our lives between walls, making the quality of the air we breathe there essential for our health and well-being. While many pollutants lurk within our buildings, carbon dioxide (CO2), often associated with climate change, might be closer than you think – impacting not just the environment, but also your cognitive abilities.

In low concentrations, CO2 is naturally present in the air we breathe, primarily released from our own respiration. However, poorly ventilated indoor spaces can lead to a buildup of this colorless, odorless gas, potentially reaching levels detrimental to occupants. The effects go beyond drowsiness or headaches, potentially impacting our ability to think clearly and perform tasks effectively.

Studies have shown a clear link between elevated CO2 levels and declines in cognitive function. In one study, researchers exposed healthy adults to various CO2 concentrations while they performed cognitive tasks. They found that even at moderate levels (around 1,000 parts per million, ppm), compared to fresh air conditions, participants experienced:

• Reduced decision-making accuracy: Choices became less well-reasoned and more impulsive.
• Lower attention span: Focus became harder to maintain, leading to increased errors and slower task completion.
• Impaired problem-solving: Logical reasoning and complex thought processes suffered, hindering the ability to find solutions.

Additionally, poor ventilation leads to other pollutants. When ventilation is inadequate, indoor air becomes stagnant, allowing other pollutants like dust, allergens, VOCs, and even infectious aerosols to accumulate.

These findings raise concerns for several indoor environments, such as:

• Crowded classrooms: Poor ventilation in schools can expose students to CO2 levels exceeding 1,500 ppm, potentially impacting their learning and academic performance.
• Office buildings: Enclosed workspaces with inadequate ventilation can create similar conditions, hindering employee productivity and critical thinking.
• Homes with tightly sealed windows: While energy-efficient, these structures can trap CO2, especially during gatherings or long periods without fresh air exchange.

The relationship between CO2 levels, poor air quality, and infection spread indoors is complex and nuanced.

• Indirect association: While CO2 itself doesn’t directly cause infections, it can act as a marker for increased risk. Higher CO2 levels often indicate poor ventilation, which can facilitate the spread of airborne pathogens like viruses and bacteria.
• Increased transmission: Poor ventilation allows these pathogens to linger in the air for longer periods, increasing the chances of inhalation and transmission between individuals. This becomes especially relevant in crowded indoor spaces with limited air circulation.

So, how can we maintain good indoor air quality and protect our cognitive health from the insidious effects of CO2? Here are some tips:

• Improve ventilation: Regularly open windows and doors to allow fresh air circulation. Consider installing mechanical ventilation systems if necessary.
• Monitor CO2 levels: Invest in indoor air quality monitors that measure CO2 concentrations, allowing you to take action when levels rise.
• Reduce indoor sources: Avoid burning candles, gas stoves, and other combustion appliances that contribute to CO2 levels.
• Increase greenery: Although you will need a jungle, indoor plants may act as natural air purifiers, helping to absorb CO2 and release oxygen during day time and few plants that can convert CO2 into oxygen at night (e.g. snake plant).

Keeping indoor CO2 levels in check is not just about environmental responsibility; it’s about protecting our minds and ensuring we can think clearly and perform optimally within our own walls. By implementing simple measures and staying aware of the potential impact of CO2 on our cognitive abilities and general health, we can breathe easier and unlock our full mental potential.

Remember, it’s not just the air we breathe outside that matters – the quality of our indoor environment plays a crucial role in our well-being, starting with the very air we think with. So, let’s take control, open a window, and let our minds soar in an environment free from the insidious effects of CO2.