Air Quality Blog Part 5: Do scents and air quality change your mood? The secrets of comfortable spaces explained through science

"I just don't feel refreshed" or "I can't concentrate" -- when that happens, the cause may be the "air."

We pay attention to what we eat and sleep, but we are surprisingly careless about the quality of the air we breathe every day. In fact, it has been scientifically proven that the components and scents contained in the air have a direct impact on the brain and emotions.

In this article, we will introduce how air quality and scent molecules affect mood and behavior, and introduce examples of improvements that have actually been made in places like nursing homes and factory break rooms. With a little ingenuity, you may be able to make your familiar spaces "more comfortable."

The surprising relationship between air quality and mental health

We breathe in approximately 15,000 liters of air every day (WHO report), and multiple studies have confirmed that the quality of that air affects our brains and moods.

According to the WHO 's Air Quality Guidelines, PM2.5 and VOCs (volatile organic compounds) can not only cause respiratory diseases, but also brain inflammation and stress responses (WHO, 2021*1). In other words, air quality is directly linked not only to physical condition but also to mood.

PM2.5 is a type of minute particle that has been reported to enter the bloodstream from the lungs and cause inflammation in the brain, increasing the risk of cognitive decline and mood disorders (WHO "Ambient air pollution and health" *2). Meanwhile, VOCs are chemicals emitted from furniture and building materials that can cause headaches, reduced concentration, and irritability. Furthermore, several international studies have pointed out the potential for air pollution to have a negative impact on mental health.

Why is this such a big impact?

The brain is an organ that consumes a lot of oxygen. Poor air quality can hinder the supply of oxygen to the brain, leading to fatigue, decreased concentration, and depressed mood. Furthermore, VOCs and fine particles are said to increase the secretion of stress hormones (cortisol).

In other words, poor air quality is an "invisible source of stress."

Fragrance molecules act as emotional switches

We often experience a change in mood when we smell a pleasant scent. This is not just a sensation, but a phenomenon that can be explained scientifically. The sense of smell is directly connected to the amygdala and hippocampus of the brain, and is said to have a direct effect on the areas that control emotions and memory. In other words, when scent molecules reach the brain, they act as an "emotional switch" that relieves stress and improves concentration.

For example, multiple studies have confirmed that the scent of lavender has a relaxing effect. On the other hand, citrus scents are said to have an awakening effect and improve concentration. The effects of these scents are particularly important in spaces where people spend long periods of time, such as nursing homes and factories. There have also been cases where the use of aroma diffusers has helped improve the daily rhythms of elderly people who tend to fall asleep during the day.

Fragrances don't work alone. Their effectiveness is even greater when combined with air quality. In an environment where VOCs and unpleasant odors linger, no matter how pleasant the scent, it reduces comfort. That's why improving air quality and adjusting scent molecules directly leads to improved mental health and behavior.

Changing spaces at work – Case studies of nursing homes and factory break rooms

It's scientifically proven that air quality and scent molecules affect mood. But how are they being used in real-world settings? Here we'll look at two examples: a nursing home and a factory break room.

Nursing homes: Creating an environment to reduce daytime sleepiness and anxiety

Elderly care facilities face challenges such as residents falling asleep during the day, disrupting their daily rhythms, and leaving due to psychological anxiety caused by changes in their living environment. Maintaining a comfortable indoor environment is considered important in addressing these challenges. Improving air quality and utilizing fragrance molecules is effective here.

・Keep the air clean with ventilation and VOC reduction
・Introducing citrus scents during the day → Arousing effect reduces drowsiness
・Relaxing scent at night → Helps you fall asleep
・Relieves psychological anxiety with a reassuring scent → Reduces the risk of separation

In fact, there have been reported cases where these efforts have resulted in increased activity among users.

Factory break room: A space where you can refresh yourself in 10 minutes

In manufacturing sites, there is a problem where workers continue to look at their smartphones even during break times, making it difficult to take a break. This is due to poor air quality and unpleasant odors, creating an environment that makes it difficult to relax. This is where AiryQonnect monitoring technology was introduced.

・Measure VOCs and odor molecules in real time
・Quantify the comfort level of the space and clarify areas for improvement
・Ventilation and fragrance molecule adjustment create a space that refreshes in a short time

AiryQonnect uses sensors to detect odor components and VOCs and manages the data in the cloud, providing a system that ensures comfort through "science" rather than "senses."

Supporting Comfortable Spaces with Science: The Importance of Monitoring

Even if we understand the importance of air quality and scent molecules, relying solely on our senses can leave us with an unclear judgment of comfort. This is where scientific monitoring becomes important. WHO guidelines also state that "quantitative measurement" is essential for managing air quality (WHO, 2021*1). AiryQonnect is a system that measures VOCs and scent molecules in real time and manages the data in the cloud. This allows us to quantify the comfort level of a space and create an improvement cycle. Introducing it to nursing homes, factories, and offices will directly lead to work style reform and improved quality of life.

Finally, as a means of visualizing air quality, Macnica offers AiryQconnect, which can measure CO₂, PM2.5, TVOC, temperature, humidity, and more in real time. By visualizing the air in the workplace, you can scientifically support a comfortable workplace. If you're interested, please see "Return to service overview page" at the bottom of the page for more details.

■Reference materials:
(※1) WHO Guidelines on Ventilation and Air Quality (2021)
https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240034228
(*2) WHO “Ambient (outdoor) air pollution and health”
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/ambient-(outdoor)-air-quality-and-health

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