Better indoor air quality influence creative thinking

Created Thursday, 22 February 2024

Consider, for a moment, the air you breathe as an influential factor shaping your creative thoughts. A study suggests that the volatile organic gas contaminant content(VOC) in our environment might play a crucial role in our ability to think creatively. In essence, the air around us could be a silent catalyst for innovative thinking.

In the fast-paced world we live in, creativity is often viewed as the driving force behind innovation. A recent experimental study conducted by the National Technical University, Singapore (NTU Singapore), has unveiled an unexpected factor that could influence our creative abilities – indoor air quality.

The study aimed to objectively measure creative thinking by engaging participants in creative building activities using the Serious Brick Play method. The results were enlightening, as they demonstrated a noteworthy link between clean air and heightened creativity. Specifically, exposure to common indoor air pollutants had a tangible impact on creative performance. Clean air was found to facilitate imaginative thinking, while poor air quality seemed to hinder the creative process.

Identifying the Culprits

From this study, the role of indoor air quality parameters (PM2.5, TVOC, and CO^₂) in maintaining a creative environment (involving lateral thinking ability) was evaluated.

Participants were given a challenge and were required to build a solution using LEGO^® bricks within a given timeframe. They were then asked to describe their creation. The creations and descriptions were assessed based on originality, fluency, and build quality.

The study's findings¹ revealed a significant association between higher levels of total volatile organic compounds (TVOC) and lower-rated creative outcomes. TVOC refers to the total concentration of gaseous organic chemicals present simultaneously in the air, which can originate from both outdoor and indoor pollutants. According to the results, exposure to TVOC has a tangible impact on creative performance, with higher TVOC levels being significantly linked to lower-rated creative creations.

^{Image: (from left) Members of the research team include NTU Asst Prof Ng Bing Feng, NTU Graduate Lau Wee Siang, NTU PhD graduate Dr Shmitha Arikrishnan, former NTU senior research fellow Dr Adam Charles Robert, and NTU Assoc Prof Wan Man Pun.}

The study conducted repeated measurements of creativity on the same participant while switching the environmental chamber between six pre-defined sets of Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) conditions. This allowed the researcher to observe the effects of different TVOC levels on creative outcomes. The findings suggest that reducing TVOC levels by 71.9% (from an initial 1000 ppb) could enhance an individual's full creative potential by 11.5%.

Understanding the specific elements that impact creativity allows us to consider proactive steps in creating environments that nurture innovative thinking.

The products used in the research were:

• Particulate matter filter – Combination of G4 (Camfil 30/30 Panel Filters, ISO ePM10 50%) and F8 (Camfil EcoPleat G, ISO ePM1 70%)

VOC removal is achieved by using high quality activated carbon with a very high surface area and relevant porosity.

• Molecular filter – Camfil TVOC removal filter

Practical Steps for a Creativity-Boosting Environment

1. Use the right filter
Things to consider before investing in air filtration solutions for commercial buildings:

1. Review your existing air handling system
2. Check to ensure that there is no bypass in the duct or leakages in the building
3. Identify the type of filters that can be installed in your existing AHU
4. Select the filters based on the ISO 16890 and ISO 10121-3 classification
5. Estimate filter change-out duration according to the acceptable final pressure drop, as per EN 13053 standard
6. Evaluate the total air filtration solutions based on the ‘Total Cost of Ownership’ that includes energy cost, filter change-out duration, labor cost, and CO₂ emissions

2. Consider Air Purification
In non-air-conditioned places or where air filters in AHU can’t be upgraded due to limited space, we recommend using air cleaners with at least 2 stages of filters. e.g. Molecular filters according to ISO 10121-3 and HEPA14 (MPPS) according to EN1822 standard.

The following points to be considered before buying Air Cleaners:
1. Clean air delivery rate (CADR) for removal of cigarette smoke (diameter 0.1 – 1.0 µm)
2. Ozone emission (valid for electronic technology air cleaners), it's advisable to consider mechanical filtration product
3. Noise level
4. Energy-efficient motor like EC motor
5. Minimum 2 stages filters; molecular filter to remove VOCs/ Ozone and HEPA14 (@MPPS) to remove ultrafine particles

Breathing Innovation into Everyday Life

The ability to generate fresh, captivating ideas is essential in various aspects of our lives. This study prompts us to consider the impact of clean air on our creative abilities, a factor that is often overlooked. By prioritizing clean air in our surroundings, we can potentially unlock untapped creative potential, ensuring that innovation becomes a natural part of our everyday experiences.

To achieve this, it is important to identify everyday objects that silently contribute to indoor air pollution and take necessary measures to minimize their impact.

In the quest for creative excellence, let's not underestimate the influence of the air we breathe. Clean air may well be the silent partner in our creative journey, influencing the way we think and innovate. As we embrace this newfound insight, let's ensure that the air around us is as fresh as the ideas we strive to produce, fostering an environment where innovation can truly breathe and flourish.

¹ Source: Energy Research Institute at Nanyang Technological University of Singapore, " Experimental study on the impact of indoor air quality on creativity by Serious Brick Play method", 19 September 2023, https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-023-42355-z