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 121 - 130 of 680 | Export entire research library
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
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
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
Survey of teen noise exposure and efforts to protect hearing at school - United States, 2020
Eichwald, John
Survey of 817 U.S. teens (ages 12-17) assessed school noise exposure and hearing protection practices. High exposure rates and low prevention suggest schools should prioritize hearing loss education and provide protective equipment.
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
Association between fungal spore exposure in inner-city schools and asthma morbidity
Baxi, Sachin
In a yearlong study of 280 students with asthma in 37 U.S. schools, classroom Alternaria exposure was linked to increased symptom days in sensitized children, underscoring the need to manage fungal exposures in indoor school environments.
Keywords: None listed by authors
Development of a low-cost air sensor package and indoor air quality monitoring in a California middle school: Detection of a distant wildfire
Kaduwela, Ajith P.
Low-cost sensors monitored IAQ in a California classroom, revealing elevated CO₂ from occupancy and wildfire-driven PM infiltration. Findings suggest inadequate ventilation and the need for better filtration during pollution events like wildfires.
Keywords: None listed by authors
The effect of the shoeless course on particle concentrations and dust composition in schools
Leppänen, Maija
Finnish study compared particle levels in schools where shoes were removed at entry vs. near classrooms. PM10 and PM15 were lower in sock schools, suggesting that early shoe removal can reduce indoor dust and improve school air quality.
Keywords: Indoor air quality , Aerosol, respirable particulate matter (PM10), Elemental analysis
Characteristics of air pollutants inside and outside a primary school classroom in Beijing and respiratory health impact on children
Zhang, Lulu
In a Beijing primary school, indoor and outdoor monitoring showed PM2.5, PM10, and O₃ exposure—mainly from traffic and coal—posed respiratory risks to children. Results support dual indoor-outdoor air quality controls near schools.
Keywords: Particulate matter (PM), Trace gases, Water-soluble ions, Carbonaceous compounds, Lower respiratory infections
Environmental factors in school classrooms: How they influence visual task demand on children
Negiloni, Kalpa
Visual demands in 29 classrooms were assessed via chalkboard size, lighting, and contrast. Many classrooms had low illumination, increasing acuity demands. Results support better seating and regular vision and environmental audits in schools.
Keywords: None listed by authors