Investigating the Interplay Between Air Quality, Comfort and Health: Impacts on Productivity in Domestic and Professional Spaces

IJEP 46(1): 89-96 : Vol. 46 Issue. 1 (January 2026)

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Rahila Rahman Khan*, Rushda Sharf and Shweta Yadav

Integral University, Department of Environmental Science, Lucknow – 226 026, Uttar Pradesh, India

Abstract

The research aims to establish the correlation between indoor air quality (IAQ), environment, health and productivity in residential and commercial facilities. Since indoors accounts for most of our time, the environment inside a building affects an individual’s health and productivity. A quantitative study was conducted on a sample of 300 occupants of buildings in Uttar Pradesh, India, using validated scales for IAQ, thermal comfort, health complaints and productivity. The findings reveal that high IAQ and compromised thermal comfort negatively impact IAQ and impair occupants’ health by causing headaches, respiratory issues and other health problems, leading to reduced productivity. The conclusions emphasize the need for improved ventilation and thermal control, especially in houses where such conditions may be lacking. Approaches to enhance IAQ and comfort in homes and workplaces, alongwith lessons for policy and building design that could influence health and performance, are presented.

Keywords

Indoor air quality, Thermal comfort, Health outcomes, Productivity, Environmental comfort

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