How to Utilize Knowledge from Research on the Relationship between Wood and Human Beings to Benefit the Wood Industry 20 Years in the Future

摘要

The current trend of studying the effect of wood utilization on human senses can be grouped into three general approaches, as follows : 1) the investigation of chemical and physical properties of wood beneficial to human wellbeing; 2) the evaluation of psychological responses to wood by means of indirect methods such as questionnaires and behavioral observation; and 3) the evaluation of physiological responses to wood through direct methods such as the measurement of heartbeat, blood pressure, and brain activity. To date, research results of stage 3) have most frequently been disseminated in society, but it is also necessary to develop research activities of stage 2) from case studies to epidemiological studies that can be generalized in the medium to long term. It is important for the development of the wood industry not only to promote research and development activities but also to broadcast the results of its research to the general public.