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Cognition, Economic Decision-Making, and Physiological Response to Indoor Carbon Dioxide: Does It Really Matter?

Author

Listed:
  • Flagner, Stefan

    (Maastricht University)

  • Meissner, Thomas

    (Maastricht University)

  • Künn, Steffen

    (Maastricht University)

  • Eichholtz, Piet

    (Maastricht University)

  • Kok, Nils

    (Maastricht University)

  • Kramer, Rick

    (Eindhoven University of Technology)

  • van Marken-Lichtenbelt, Wouter

    (Maastricht University)

  • Ly, Cynthia

    (Maastricht University)

  • Plasqui, Guy

    (Maastricht University)

Abstract

This study provides novel evidence on the isolated effect of carbon dioxide on cognition, economic decision-making, and the physiological response in healthy office workers. The experiment took place in an air-tight respiration chamber fully controlling the environmental conditions. In a single-blind, within-subject study design, 20 healthy participants were exposed to carbon dioxide concentrations of 3,000 ppm and 900 ppm in randomized order, with each exposure lasting for 8 hours. We do not find evidence on a statistically significant effect on either cognitive or physiological outcome variables. Thus, the evidence shows that the human body appears to be able to deal with exposure to indoor carbon dioxide concentration of 3,000 ppm without suffering significant cognitive decline, changes in decision-making or showing any physiological response.

Suggested Citation

  • Flagner, Stefan & Meissner, Thomas & Künn, Steffen & Eichholtz, Piet & Kok, Nils & Kramer, Rick & van Marken-Lichtenbelt, Wouter & Ly, Cynthia & Plasqui, Guy, 2024. "Cognition, Economic Decision-Making, and Physiological Response to Indoor Carbon Dioxide: Does It Really Matter?," IZA Discussion Papers 17019, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
  • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp17019
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    3. James C. Cox & Glenn W. Harrison, 2008. "Risk aversion in experiments: An introduction," Research in Experimental Economics, in: Risk Aversion in Experiments, pages 1-7, Emerald Group Publishing Limited.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    carbon dioxide; indoor air quality; cognition; economic decision-making; physiological response;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D87 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Neuroeconomics
    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity
    • Q54 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Climate; Natural Disasters and their Management; Global Warming

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