William H. Farquhar Middle School, Olney, MD. Photo credit: Patrick Ross
School Health Research Library
We have curated a library of peer-reviewed scientific studies from around the world published since 2016, focusing on the school built environment and occupant health and performance. This research builds on the 2017 Schools for Health: Foundations for Student Success report released by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health that synthesizes foundational research about school indoor environmental quality impacts on students and staff.
To help translate this research into action in schools, we have compiled School Health Research Highlights to help school staff and leaders access key findings and actionable strategies on priority topics.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 545 | Export entire research library
Validation of a survey to examine drinking-water access, practices and policies in schools
Hecht, Amelie A.
Validated a school administrator survey by comparing responses with on-site observations and policy review. Found strong agreement for access items, less so for policy questions. Useful for large-scale surveillance.
Keywords: Beverages, Obesity, Students, Pediatrics, Public policy
Prediction of Children’s Blood Lead Levels from Exposure to Lead in Schools’ Drinking Water—A Case Study in Tennessee, USA
DeSimone, Dave
This modeling study used school water lead data from a Tennessee district and EPA models (IEUBK, Bowers) to estimate blood lead levels in students. Results suggested 0.6–13.6% of students may exceed 5 µg/dL. Recommends remediation where water lead…
Keywords: Drinking water, Lead, Lead exposure, Risk, Children's health
Providing Students with Adequate School Drinking Water Access in an Era of Aging Infrastructure: A Mixed Methods Investigation
Kenney, Erica L.
Mixed-methods study of six U.S. schools found low student water intake regardless of delivery method; bottled coolers posed logistical challenges. Emphasizes need to rebuild trust in tap water.
Keywords: Drinking water, Infrastructure, Water safety, Water consumption
Policy, programs, and activities for promotion of water, sanitation and hygiene practices in schools of India
Dakhode, Sarika U.
Review of Indian WASH programs in schools highlights progress in sanitation and water access from 1986–2016. Emphasizes integration of hygiene education and consistent policy application.
Keywords: Hygiene, Programs, Sanitation, WASH, Water
Compliance With Mandated Testing for Lead in Drinking Water in School Districts in New Jersey
Sullivan, Marianne
In 2016, New Jersey required schools to test drinking water for lead and report results online. This study reviewed 501 district websites: 90% conducted testing, 87% posted results, and 79% found lead >15 ppb. Highlights the impact of state…
Keywords:
Work-Related Determinants of Voice Complaints Among School Workers: An Eleven-Month Follow-Up Study
Cutiva, Lady Catherine Cantor
In a yearlong follow-up of 682 Colombian school staff, self-reported noise levels and poor classroom acoustics were linked to both incident and chronic voice complaints. Objective and subjective data underline the role of environmental factors in…
Keywords:
The Impact of Classroom Chatter Noise on Comprehension: A Systematic Review
Lamotte, Anne-Sophie
This systematic review followed PRISMA guidelines to assess effects of classroom chatter on comprehension. Analysis of 9 experimental studies showed consistent negative impacts, especially for younger students. Findings support noise mitigation to…
Keywords: Teaching, Talking, Intelligibility, Behavior, Learning environment
Prevalence of Noise-Induced Hearing Loss in Middle and High School Band Members: A Preliminary Study
Ramrattan, Heidi
This study assessed hearing thresholds among 42 Illinois band students vs. controls using audiometry. A majority of band members showed audiometric notches ≥15 dB HL at 4–6 kHz, suggesting increased NIHL risk with longer participation. Schools…
Keywords: Noise-induced hearing loss, Musicians, Adolescents
Teachers’ and Children’s Experiences after an Acoustic Intervention and a Noise-Controlling Workshop in Two Elementary Classrooms
Pirilä, Sirpa
In two Finnish elementary classrooms, teachers with voice symptoms and their students participated in an acoustic and behavioral noise intervention. Post-intervention surveys showed reduced vocal symptoms and noise annoyance, highlighting the role…
Keywords: Teacher, Voice, Voice symptoms, Activity noise, Acoustics, Noise control, Classrooms, Workshop
Learning and Interacting in Noisy Classrooms: Teacher Perceptions of the Challenges for Students Who Are Hard of Hearing
Jamieson, Janet R.
Observations in 11 Canadian elementary classrooms assessed how background noise affects DHH students’ learning and peer interaction. Interviews with 16 teachers revealed noise harms both academic performance and social development, with implications…
Keywords: Deaf, Hard of hearing, Classroom acoustics, Background noise