Linking laboratory air quality to workers’ psychological performance in Malaysian university laboratories
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...
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| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Occupational Health and Safety Society of Nepal
2025-04-01
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| Series: | International Journal of Occupational Safety and Health |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.nepjol.info/index.php/IJOSH/article/view/70692 |
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| Summary: | 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 (PM2.5, 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 PM2.5 (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.
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| ISSN: | 2738-9707 2091-0878 |