Surging levels of greenhouse gases could make people tired, forgetful and stupid, scientists claim.

Afternoon fatigue, the slump that office workers often experience, could become a worldwide problem due to surging levels in carbon dioxide.

A factor in sick building syndrome is higher carbon dioxide levels in poorly ventilated workplaces which can make workers feel lethargic, low in energy and slow, The Sunday Times reported.

But increased levels of carbon dioxide could not just affect office workers but the entire population by the end of the century, according to scientists at University College London.

A factor in sick building syndrome is higher carbon dioxide levels in poorly ventilated workplaces which can make workers feel lethargic, low in energy and slow. Stock image

It is the first research by scientists to warn about the toxic effect that raised greenhouses gases can have on humans.

The raised levels of carbon dioxide would be driven by the burning of fossil fuels.

Burning oil, coal, and natural gas are the leading causes of the carbon dioxide emissions driving climate change.

'Human cognitive performance declines with an increase in CO2', the researchers wrote in the paper.

'Direct impacts of CO2 emissions on human cognitive performance may be unavoidable'.

The raised levels of carbon dioxide would be driven by the burning of fossil fuels. Stock image

And the paper also warns that the natural level of carbon dioxide in the air would be four or five times higher by 2100.

Researchers warn that a surge in levels could affect memory, concentration and making decisions.

Although in its early stages, the research found that London would see the biggest increase in in levels above global average due to the amount of fossil fuel that is burned every day.