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 141 - 150 of 680 | Export entire research library
Perceived indoor air quality in naturally ventilated primary schools in the UK: Impact of environmental variables and thermal sensation
Korsavi, Sepideh Sadat
In 805 UK children, perceptions of indoor air quality linked more to CO2 in non-heating and temperature in heating seasons. Keeping CO2 <1000 ppm and comfortable temperatures improved air sensation votes by 43%, influencing comfort and tiredness.
Keywords: Air sensation votes, children’s perception, CO2 levels, Indoor air quality , Natural ventilation, Operative temperature
Spatial variability of indoor radon concentration in schools: Implications on radon measurement protocols
Curguz, Z.
Radon levels were measured in 50 schools across the Republic of Srpska to assess floor-level variation. Findings support ground-floor-only testing, but emphasize sampling many rooms to ensure compliance with radon safety regulations.
Keywords: None listed by authors
Relevant work factors associated with voice disorders in early childhood teachers: A comparison between kindergarten and elementary school teachers in Yangchen, China
Tao, Yaping
Cross-sectional survey of 414 early childhood teachers in China assessed voice disorder prevalence using VHI-10. Elementary teachers had higher rates than kindergarten teachers, supporting need for voice training and workload adjustments.
Keywords: Vocal load, Network questionnaire, Voice handicap index, Daily class hours, Types of voice usage
Students' school-level symptoms mediate the relationship between a school's observed moisture problems and students’ subjective perceptions of indoor air quality
Finell, Eerika
Multilevel path modeling of data from 24,786 students across 222 Finnish schools linked mold/dampness with subjective IAQ via symptom frequency. Findings support targeting moisture damage to improve perceived air quality in schools.
Keywords: Dampness, Indoor air quality , Indoor environmental problems, Multilevel analysis, School, Symptoms
Impact of indoor air pollution in nursery and primary schools onchildhood asthma
Branco, Pedro
In 1,530 Portuguese children, indoor air pollution showed no direct link to asthma prevalence, but higher NO2, O3, and PM2.5 were associated with wheezing and lung function reduction. Sensitized children had increased asthma risk with particulate…
Keywords: children, Exposure, Inhaled dose, Indoor air, School, Asthma
Indoor environmental quality andlearning outcomes: protocol on large-scale sensor deployment inschools
Temprano, Juan Palacios
A 5-year study of 280 classrooms will monitor indoor environmental quality and cognitive performance in 10,000 children, using continuous sensors and standardized tests. Results will inform science and policy on environment’s impact on child…
Keywords: None listed by authors
Indoor Radon Measurements in Finnish Daycare Centers and Schools—Enforcement of the Radiation Act
Kojo, Katja
Radon surveillance in Finnish daycare centers (633) and schools (1176) found mean levels around 80 Bq/m³; 8% of daycares and 14% of schools exceeded 300 Bq/m³. Systematic campaigns ensured measurements and reduced radon exposure risk.
Keywords: Radon, Surveillance, School, Daycare center
Psychosocial factors and indoor environmental quality in respiratory symptom reports of pupils: a cross-sectional study in Finnish schools
Savelieva, Kateryna
In 12,185 Finnish pupils and parents, respiratory symptoms were linked to worry about indoor environment quality, low school satisfaction, asthma, and hay fever. Psychosocial factors explained more symptom variance between schools than measured IEQ.
Keywords: None listed by authors
Indoor exposure levels of bacteria and fungi in residences, schools, and offices in China: A systematic review
Guo, Kangqi
Reviewing 55 Chinese studies, indoor bacterial levels ranged 72.5-7500 CFU/m³ and fungi 12-9730 CFU/m³, with classrooms showing highest averages. Microbial concentrations varied by climate, highlighting need for unified health-based exposure…
Keywords: Air quality, Bacteria, China, Fungi, Indoor, Systematic review
On the seasonal aerosol pollution levels and its sources in some primary schools in Vilnius, Lithuania
Prokopciuk, Nina
In 11 Lithuanian primary schools, indoor aerosol particle levels were influenced by canteens without ventilation, student activity, furniture, outdoor pollution, and occasional sources like construction and landscaping, highlighting diverse indoor…
Keywords: Primary schools, Indoor/outdoor aerosol, Pollution levels, Systematic sources, Occasional sources, Ventilation