Linking laboratory air quality to workers’ psychological performance in Malaysian university laboratories

Abstract

Introduction: Poor indoor air quality (IAQ) in laboratories can negatively impact worker comfort and psychological well-being. This study investigates the relationship between IAQ and psychological performance among laboratory workers in Malaysia.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from October to November 2023 in six university laboratories categorised into chemical and non-chemical. A total of 52 workers, aged 20-49 years, participated. IAQ was measured in real-time for 8 hours during weekdays using instruments to monitor particulate matter (PM_2.5, PM₁₀), carbon monoxide (CO), total volatile organic compounds (TVOC), airborne microorganisms, carbon dioxide (CO₂), temperature (°C), relative humidity (RH), and air movement. Psychological distress was assessed using the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12). Data were analysed using Kruskal-Wallis, One-Way ANOVA, and Chi-Square tests.

Results: Significant differences in IAQ parameters were found across laboratories, with elevated PM_2.5 (p=0.007) and PM₁₀ (p=0.020), and high CO levels (p=0.042). Over 51.9% of workers experienced psychological distress, particularly those exposed to high CO levels (≥2.5 ppm) and temperatures above 23.3°C. Workers in these conditions were 6.5 times more likely to report discomfort (p=0.042).

Conclusion: High CO levels and elevated temperatures are significantly associated with psychological distress among laboratory workers. Improving ventilation and maintaining optimal temperatures could enhance both comfort and mental well-being in laboratory environments. External stressors may also influence psychological performance but were not fully controlled.