Explore the Benefits of Natural Air: New Insights from Field and Chamber Tests on Cognitive Performance

Abstract

Exposure to natural environments has a range of health benefits, including enhancing psychological restoration and cognitive development. While there are various explanations on the causes for the benefits of the natural exposure, such as less air pollution and noise, more physical activity, stronger social interactions, or even more diverse microbial community, etc., this study has zeroed in on the air quality of the natural environment. In addition to low-level pollution, what makes the natural air superior remains unclear. To this end, we conducted a series of psychological evaluation and cognitive tests on a couple of subjects in a national forest park in southwest China. Based on the results, we built an artificial chamber where selected air parameters can be independently manipulated and carried out similar tests in the chamber. We came to the following conclusion. (1) Exposure to real natural environment demonstrated tangible benefits for cognitive performances and mental states and the benefits can be obtained to some extent in the artificial environment by creating air qualities similar to the air in the natural environment. (2) Scents in natural environments may be one of the key beneficial factors. (3) Adopting proper cognitive test is critical for distinguishing the differences made by the natural exposure. Working memory showed marked responses to the natural exposure.

Effects of Increasing Indoor Negative Air Ions on Cognitive Performance and Health of High Pure CO2 Level-Exposed College Students

“…Currently, NAI generators are widely used for domestic and industrial purposes because they reduce aerosol particles, odors, airborne microorganisms, and volatile organic compounds in indoor air [21]. Previous speculations suggest that exposure to NAIs may be associated with beneficial effects on cognitive performance and health [19,22]. A study exploring the effect of NAIs on cognitive performance among young male adults showed that people exposed to a NAI environment had shorter reaction times and higher accuracy in both Stroop congruent and incongruent trials [23].…”