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 111 - 120 of 680 | Export entire research library
Building and Indoor Environmental Quality Assessment of Nigerian Primary Schools: A Pilot Study
Toyinbo, Oluyemi
On-site assessments in 15 classrooms measured temperature, CO, CO₂, and ATP on desks. Despite adequate ventilation, thermal discomfort and surface contamination were common, highlighting needs for cooling and improved hygiene in schools.
Keywords: Indoor environmental quality, Thermal acceptability, Natural ventilation, Cleaning, School classrooms, Educational buildings
Are classroom thermal conditions, lighting, and acoustics related to teacher health symptoms?
Lin, Shao
Cross-sectional survey of 428 NYS public schools linked poor thermal, lighting, and noise conditions to allergy and voice symptoms in teachers. Findings suggest environmental controls may reduce work-related health issues in classrooms.
Keywords: classroom, Dryness and noise, Health symptoms, Teachers, Thermal environment
Cafeteria noise exposure and fruit and vegetable consumption at school lunch: A cross-sectional study of elementary students
Graziose, Matthew
In 20 U.S. elementary schools, FV consumption was assessed via photography and linked to cafeteria noise. Higher noise levels were associated with lower FV intake, suggesting that quieter lunch environments may support healthier eating in children.
Keywords: Noise, Fruit, Vegetable, School lunch, children, Cafeteria
Assessment of formaldehyde levels in relation to respiratory and allergic symptoms in children from Alba County schools, Romania
Neamtiu, Iulia
Formaldehyde levels were measured in Romanian classrooms as part of SINPHONIE. Higher exposure (≥35 μg/m³) was linked to asthma- and allergy-like symptoms, supporting improved ventilation and material choices to protect student health.
Keywords: Exposure, Formaldehyde levels, Indoor air quality , Respiratory and allergic symptoms, School children
18-year evolution of asthma and allergic diseases in French urban schoolchildren in relation to indoor air pollutant levels
Sasso, Fabien
Follow-up of a 1998-1999 Marseilles study assessed asthma prevalence and PM2.5 exposure in schools. Despite lower pollutant levels in 2016, asthma remained linked to PM2.5, highlighting persistent risks from fine particles and other exposures.
Keywords: Asthma, Allergy prevalence, Epidemiology, Air pollution, children
A chemical dynamic model for the infiltration of outdoor size-resolved ammonium nitrate aerosols to indoor environments
Xie, Yangyang
A dynamic model of ammonium nitrate aerosol infiltration was developed and validated using mass spectrometry. Results highlight the influence of indoor HNO₃ levels, suggesting its critical role in indoor particulate chemistry and exposure.
Keywords: Ammonium nitrate, Chemical equilibrium, Indoor aerosols, Infiltration, Reversible reaction, Size distribution
Assessment of ultrafine particles in primary schools: Emphasis on different indoor microenvironments
Slezakova, Klara
UFPs were measured across indoor and outdoor microenvironments in 20 Oporto primary schools. Canteens had highest levels; outdoor and non-classroom areas contributed significantly to inhaled doses, urging broader focus beyond classrooms.
Keywords: Ultrafine particles, Indoor air quality , children, Microenvironments, Outdoor air, Inhalation dose
Classroom indoor PM2.5 sources and exposures in inner-city schools
Carrion-Matta, Aleshka
PM2.5 was monitored across 32 Northeastern U.S. schools over three seasons. Secondary pollution and motor vehicles were key sources, with indoor levels influenced by outdoor infiltration and season, stressing the need for localized mitigation.
Keywords: None listed by authors
Data on Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) in kindergartens with different surrounding activities
Abdullah, Samsuri
IAQ was assessed in three Malaysian kindergartens with varying surroundings. PM, CO, and CO₂ were within limits, but temperature and humidity exceeded comfort standards. Residential areas had the highest pollutant levels, suggesting location matters.
Keywords: Indoor air quality , Kindergartens, Temperature, Residential, Thermal comfort
Characteristics of school children's personal exposure to ultrafine particles in Heshan, Pearl River Delta, China - A pilot study
Mazaheri, Mandana
Personal UFP exposure was measured in 24 children in Heshan, China. Indoor home exposure, driven by smoking and mosquito coils, was highest. Results highlight the need for interventions to reduce second-hand smoke and improve indoor air quality.
Keywords: Ultrafine particles, Personal exposure, School children, Indoor air quality , Indoor exposure, Second-hand smoking