How can thermal comfort influence an individual's perception of air quality?

Thermal comfort plays a significant role in influencing an individual's perception of air quality. When individuals are experiencing comfortable temperature conditions, they may become less sensitive to factors that typically contribute to poor air quality, such as odors or the presence of indoor pollutants. This diminished sensitivity can lead to a perception that the air is of better quality than it might actually be.

For instance, a person in a comfortably warm or cool environment is less likely to notice slight discomforts in the air quality, such as musty smells or allergens, which might otherwise be more apparent if they were feeling too hot or cold. This phenomenon occurs because overall comfort can distract individuals from focusing on the subtler indicators of air quality, causing them to overlook potential issues.

In contrast, if someone is experiencing thermal discomfort, they may be more alert to air quality problems, interpreting the indoor environment as more unpleasant than it might be under comfortable conditions.