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 151 - 160 of 680 | Export entire research library
Obesity May Enhance the Adverse Effects of NO2 Exposure in Urban Schools on Asthma Symptoms in Children
Permaul, Perdita
In 271 inner-city children with asthma, obese students showed increased asthma symptoms linked to classroom NO2 exposure, unlike normal-weight peers. Results suggest obesity may heighten vulnerability to indoor pollution, though findings need…
Keywords: Asthma, Obesity, Body mass index (BMI), Inner-city, Urban, School, Nitrogen dioxide (NO2), children, Environment, Exposure, Indoor, Pollutants, Air
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
Passive sampling to control air quality in schools: Uptake rate determination and application
Vallecillos, Laura
Using passive TD-GC-MS sampling, VOCs were monitored in seven indoor and three outdoor school sites in Tarragona, Spain. Ethanol and isopropyl alcohol dominated indoors from cleaning products; pentanes outdoors were linked to traffic combustion.
Keywords: Air quality, Indoor air, Outdoor air, Passive sampling, Thermal desorption, Gas chromatography, Mass spectrometry, Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
Morphological Characterization of Indoor Airborne Particles in Seven Primary Schools
Pallarés, Susana
Fine airborne particles in seven Mediterranean schools near an industrial hub were classified into mineral, combustion, and high-temperature industrial types. Results support exposure assessment and highlight need for protective policies in…
Keywords: None listed by authors
Performance characteristics of a fan filter unit (FFU) in mitigating particulate matter levels in a naturally ventilated classroom during haze conditions
Tham, Kwok Wai
A low-cost fan filter unit (FFU) reduced indoor particulate matter by 85-95% in a naturally ventilated classroom. Modeling showed significant reductions in infiltration and penetration of PM, making FFU an effective, affordable, and sustainable air…
Keywords: None listed by authors
Indoor exposure levels of ammonia in residences, schools, and offices in China from 1980 to 2019: A systematic review
Sun, Chanjuan
Systematic review of 56 studies found high indoor ammonia levels in Chinese schools, homes, and offices. Nearly half of school samples exceeded standards, with climate, construction, and economic factors influencing concentrations. Policy action is…
Keywords: None listed by authors
Teachers' work-related non-literature-known building-related symptoms are also connected to indoor toxicity: A cross-sectional study
Salin, Janne
In 231 Finnish teachers, work-related symptoms were 2.9 times higher in classrooms with toxic dust and 1.8 times higher with toxic microbes, linking indoor environmental toxicity to broader health complaints beyond classical building-related…
Keywords: Building related symptoms, Indoor toxicity, Microbial toxins, Mitochondrial dysfunction, Mitochondrial toxicity, Sick building syndrome
Indoor exposure levels of radon in dwellings, schools, and offices in China from 2000 to 2020: A systematic review
Su, Chunxiao
Systematic review of 2000-2020 studies found average indoor radon levels in Chinese schools at 56.1 Bq/m³. Higher concentrations were linked to colder climates, tight ventilation, and new decoration. Findings highlight the need for improved…
Keywords: China, Climate region, Exposure level, Indoor radon, Influencing factor
Health Risks and Potential Sources of Contamination of Groundwater Used by Public Schools in Vhuronga 1, Limpopo Province, South Africa
Odito, John Ogony
Groundwater in 10 rural South African schools met most chemical standards but had high microbial contamination. Infection risks from E. coli and Shigella were high annually, linked to agriculture and latrines, highlighting need for safe borehole…
Keywords: Agricultural activities, Contamination, Groundwater quality, Health risks, Pit latrines, School children
Study on Characteristics of Particulate Matter Resuspension in School Classroom through Experiments Using a Simulation Chamber: Influence of Humidity
Cho, Sunghee
Classroom chamber experiments showed that PM resuspension from walking decreases linearly as humidity rises (R²=0.88 for PM10, 0.93 for PM2.5), indicating humidity’s key role in reducing particulate exposure risks in schools.
Keywords: Particulate matter (PM), Resuspension, Relative humidity, Resuspension factor, Occupants’ activity, Classrooms