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 11 - 20 of 680 | Export entire research library
Long-term perceptions of outdoor thermal environments in an elementary school in a hot-humid climate
Shih, Wen-Mei
Outdoor thermal data and surveys were collected at a Taiwanese elementary school. Over 60% of summer hours showed PET >38 °C. Tree-planting simulations reduced heat stress, supporting vegetation-based strategies for improving outdoor school…
Keywords: Thermal comfort, Pet, Sky view factor, Long-term thermal perceptions
Is School Type Associated with Objectively Measured Physical Activity in 15-Year-Olds?
Štefan, Lovro
Physical activity in 187 15-year-olds was tracked via body monitors over 5 days. Grammar school students had higher energy expenditure than vocational peers. Activity dropped on weekends for all, suggesting interventions should target vocational…
Keywords: children, Adolescents, Epidemiology, Sensewear armband, High school type, Energy expenditure
Asthma symptoms among Chinese children: the role of ventilation and PM10 exposure at school and home
Fan, X-J
Questionnaire and pollutant data from 2134 students in Taiyuan linked home exposures (dampness, ETS, renovations) and school PM₁₀, CO₂, and humidity to increased wheeze, cough, and infections. Improved air quality may reduce respiratory symptoms.
Keywords: Asthmatic symptoms, Dampness, Particulate matter (PM), Respiratory infections, School students
Building-related symptoms are linked to the in vitro toxicity of indoor dust and airborne microbial propagules in schools: A cross-sectional study
Salin, J.T.
Dust samples from Helsinki classrooms were tested for toxicity using boar sperm motility assays. Teachers in classrooms with higher in vitro toxicity reported significantly more building-related symptoms, suggesting a potential diagnostic tool.
Keywords: Building-related symptoms, Indoor dust, Airborne toxicity, Sperm motility, Indoor toxicity
Evaluation on exposures to particulate matter at a junior secondary school: a comprehensive study on health risks and effective inflammatory responses in Northwestern China
Xu, H.
In a Xi’an school, indoor and outdoor PMs, PAHs, and black carbon were linked to combustion sources. Cancer risk estimates from PAHs exceeded thresholds. Respiratory inflammation tests showed elevated FeNO in some students, indicating health…
Keywords: BC and PAHS, Cancer risks, Feno, Health assessment, Northwestern china, Particulate matter (PM)
Ocular symptoms and tear film break up time (BUT) among junior high school students in Penang, Malaysia - Associations with fungal DNA in school dust
Norbäck, Dan
Eye symptoms and tear film stability were assessed in 368 Malaysian students alongside fungal DNA levels in classroom dust. Higher fungal contamination was linked to shorter tear film break-up time, indicating potential ocular risks in tropical…
Keywords: Tear film break up time, Eye symptoms, Mold, School environment, Fungal dna
Key Factors Determining Indoor Air PM10 Concentrations in Naturally Ventilated Primary Schools in Belgrade, Serbia
Matic, Branislava
IAQ and PM10 were measured over 5 days in 44 classrooms with 735 children. High PM10 was linked to overcrowding, poor ventilation, and thermal discomfort. Results support improved ventilation and space standards to reduce exposure in primary schools.
Keywords: Indoor air quality , Classrooms, Particulate matter (PM), respirable particulate matter (PM10), Primary schools, Exposure, Serbia
Modeling indoor particulate exposures in inner-city school classrooms
Gaffin, Jonathan M.
PM2.5 and black carbon were measured in 136 classrooms across 30 schools. Indoor PM2.5 had variable infiltration and classroom sources. Models using outdoor data and sulfur ratios predicted indoor exposure, aiding asthma research and risk assessment.
Keywords: Asthma, Black carbon, Exposure modeling, Particulate matter (PM), fine particulate matter (PM2.5), School, sulfur tracer method
Indoor and outdoor PM 10 levels at schools located near mine dumps in Gauteng and North West Provinces, South Africa
Nkosi, Vusumuzi
PM10, SO₂, and indoor respirable dust were measured at 10 South African schools near/far from mine dumps. Exposed schools had significantly higher pollutant levels. Findings suggest elevated health risks for asthmatic students, despite guideline…
Keywords: Mine dumps, School, Air pollution, Asthma, South Africa
Indoor fungal diversity in primary schools may differently influence allergic sensitization and asthma in children
Rufo, João Cavaleiro
Air and endotoxin samples were collected in 71 classrooms; data from 858 children aged 8-10 included spirometry and allergy testing. Greater fungal diversity was linked to lower atopic sensitization, while endotoxins and Penicillium spp increased…
Keywords: Endotoxins, Exposure, Fungi, Indoor air, Microbiologic diversity, microbiome, School, Sensitization