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Assessment of Personal Relaxation in Indoor-Air Environments: Study in Real Full-Scale Laboratory Houses

Author

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  • Yoshitake Nakayama

    (Center for Preventive Medical Sciences, Chiba University, 6-2-1 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-0882, Japan)

  • Norimichi Suzuki

    (Center for Preventive Medical Sciences, Chiba University, 6-2-1 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-0882, Japan)

  • Hiroko Nakaoka

    (Center for Preventive Medical Sciences, Chiba University, 6-2-1 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-0882, Japan
    Department of Bioenvironmental Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8670, Japan)

  • Kayo Tsumura

    (Center for Preventive Medical Sciences, Chiba University, 6-2-1 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-0882, Japan
    Graduate School of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8670, Japan)

  • Kohki Takaguchi

    (Center for Preventive Medical Sciences, Chiba University, 6-2-1 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-0882, Japan)

  • Kazunari Takaya

    (National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, 6-21-1 Nagao, Tama-ku, Kawasaki 214-8585, Japan)

  • Masamichi Hanazato

    (Center for Preventive Medical Sciences, Chiba University, 6-2-1 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-0882, Japan)

  • Emiko Todaka

    (Center for Preventive Medical Sciences, Chiba University, 6-2-1 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-0882, Japan
    Department of Bioenvironmental Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8670, Japan)

  • Chisato Mori

    (Center for Preventive Medical Sciences, Chiba University, 6-2-1 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-0882, Japan
    Department of Bioenvironmental Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8670, Japan)

Abstract

The relationship between chemical concentrations in indoor air and the human sense of comfort and relaxation have been reported. We investigated the effect of the sum of volatile organic compounds (ΣVOCs; sum of 79 VOCs) on the level of relaxation in two laboratory houses with almost identical interior and exterior appearances. The electroencephalogram (EEG) was monitored to evaluate the degree of personal relaxation objectively. The experiments were conducted in laboratory houses (LH) A and B with lower and higher levels of ΣVOCs, respectively. A total of 168 healthy volunteers participated, who each performed the task for 20 min, followed by a 10-min break, and EEG was measured during the break. Simultaneously as subjective evaluations, the participants were asked to fill a questionnaire regarding the intensity of odor and preference for the air quality in each LH. The subjective evaluation showed a significant association between ΣVOCs and participants’ relaxation (OR: 2.86, 95%CI: 1.24–6.61), and the objective evaluation indicated that the participants were more relaxed in the LH with lower levels of ΣVOCs than that with higher levels (OR: 3.03, 95%CI: 1.23–7.50). Therefore, the reduction of ΣVOCs and odors in indoor air would have an effect, which is the promotion of relaxation.

Suggested Citation

  • Yoshitake Nakayama & Norimichi Suzuki & Hiroko Nakaoka & Kayo Tsumura & Kohki Takaguchi & Kazunari Takaya & Masamichi Hanazato & Emiko Todaka & Chisato Mori, 2021. "Assessment of Personal Relaxation in Indoor-Air Environments: Study in Real Full-Scale Laboratory Houses," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(19), pages 1-13, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:19:p:10246-:d:646108
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    1. Eri Matsubara & Yuko Tsunetsugu & Tatsuro Ohira & Masaki Sugiyama, 2017. "Essential Oil of Japanese Cedar ( Cryptomeria japonica ) Wood Increases Salivary Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate Levels after Monotonous Work," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 14(1), pages 1-13, January.
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