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 680 | Export entire research library
Variability in exposure to ambient ultrafine particles in urban schools: Comparative assessment between Australia and Spain
Mazaheri, Mandana
Ultrafine particle exposures were compared in schools across Brisbane and Barcelona. Traffic dominated exposure in Barcelona; mid-day new particle formation was key in Brisbane. Patterns varied by land use and climate, guiding city-specific…
Keywords: Ambient particles, Exposure, New particle formation, Urban environmental, High isolation areas
Traffic-related air pollution, noise at school, and behavioral problems in Barcelona Schoolchildren: A cross-sectional study
Forns, Joan
In 7-11-year-olds in Barcelona, higher school exposure to EC, BC, and NO₂ was linked to more behavioral problems (SDQ scores), while classroom noise was associated with more ADHD symptoms. Results highlight school environment’s role in child…
Keywords: None listed by authors
The impact of particle filtration on indoor air quality in a classroom near a highway
van de Zee, S.C.
A pilot study in a Dutch high school found that installing an F8 (MERV14) filter in a mechanical ventilation system reduced classroom black carbon by 36%, PM10 by 34%, and PM2.5 by 30%, showing filtration can reduce traffic-related exposure in…
Keywords: Ventilation, Filtration, Particulate matter (PM), Black carbon, Highway, School
Students’ Perceived Heat-Health Symptoms Increased with Warmer Classroom Temperatures
Bidassey-Manilal, Shalin
In 8 African high schools, 252 students logged symptoms over 5 days. High indoor temperatures (≥32 °C) were linked to fatigue and breathing difficulty. Heat was worse in prefab or container classrooms, highlighting structural risk factors for health.
Keywords: Temperature, Health, School, South Africa, Climate change
School environmental factors are predictive for exercise-induced symptoms in children
Stelmach, Iwona
Among 1,033 children, humidity, air pressure, and cat allergen exposure in school gyms were linked to exercise-induced symptoms. Bronchoconstriction was confirmed in 9.4%. Findings support controlling gym allergens and conditions to reduce symptom…
Keywords: Exercise-induced cough, Exercise-induced bronchospasm, PE classes, Schoolchildren
School attendance and daily respiratory symptoms in children: influence of moisture damage
Casas, L.
In a year-long study of 419 children in three countries, respiratory and other symptoms decreased on weekends and holidays, especially in moisture-damaged schools. Findings suggest school moisture damage contributes to symptom severity and frequency.
Keywords: children, Daily symptoms, Dampness, Mild, Respiratory health, school attendance
Photokeratitis Linked to Metal Halide Bulbs in Two Gymnasiums - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 2011 and 2013
Finn, Lauren E.
Two photokeratitis clusters in Philadelphia gyms were linked to broken metal halide bulbs. Symptoms included red, tearing eyes and skin irritation. Findings underscore the need for bulb inspections and provider awareness to prevent future exposures.
Keywords: None listed by authors
Particulate matter from indoor environments of classroom induced higher cytotoxicity and leakiness in human microvascular endothelial cells in comparison with those collected from corridor
Chua, M. L.
PM from classrooms and corridors was analyzed for size, composition, and toxicity in endothelial cells. Indoor PM had higher endotoxin levels and caused greater oxidative stress and barrier disruption, suggesting higher health risks from indoor…
Keywords: Cardiovascular, Corridor environment, Cytotoxicity, Endothelium, Indoor environment, Particulate matter (PM)
Myopia and daylight in schools: a neglected aspect of public health?
Hobday, R.
Historical school design emphasized daylight to prevent myopia, a view later dismissed. With myopia now surging globally, emerging evidence links light exposure to risk, underscoring the need to re-examine daylight’s role in classrooms.
Keywords: School design, Myopia, Rickets, Vitamin D, Daylight
Dynamic lighting system for the learning environment: performance of elementary students
Choi, Kyungah
Three studies tested lighting color temperatures on elementary students’ physiology, behavior, and performance. Results support using 3500K, 5000K, and 6500K lighting for varying activity levels, guiding dynamic lighting in smart classrooms.
Keywords: None listed by authors