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 171 - 180 of 680 | Export entire research library
Classrooms' indoor environmental conditions affecting the academic achievement of students and teachers in higher education: A systematic literature review
Brink, Henk W.
A review of 21 studies found indoor air, thermal, acoustic, and lighting quality positively affect students’ learning and short-term academic performance in higher education. Optimal conditions vary by task, guiding facility management decisions.
Keywords: Academic performance, Facility management, Indoor environmental quality, Quality of teaching and learning, School design
Chemical Composition of JUUL Pods Collected From Students in California High Schools
Shamout, Mays
JUUL pods collected from 16 California high schools showed nicotine and VG levels inconsistent with commercial products, suggesting possible consumer modification or counterfeit use among students.
Keywords: electronic nicotine delivery systems, Nicotine, Tobacco, Adolescents, Students, School, Curriculum
A primary school driven initiative to influence commuting style for dropping-off and picking-up of pupils
Kumar, Prashant
Smart sensing and citizen science showed school drop-off car queues tripled PM2.5 levels outdoors, impacting indoor air in a naturally ventilated classroom. Results can guide safer school commuting and improved ventilation strategies.
Keywords: Citizen science, Smart citizen kids, Community engagement, Air pollution exposure, Iscape project
Time-Resolved Characterization of Indoor Air Quality due to Human Activity and Likely Outdoor Sources during Early Evening Secondary School Wrestling Matches
Shendell, Derek
A 14-month study in NJ high school gyms found elevated PM10 and PM2.5 levels during wrestling matches linked to resuspended dust and high occupancy; CO2 often exceeded 1000 ppm, highlighting ventilation and air quality concerns during indoor sports.
Keywords: None listed by authors
The Adverse Associations of Classrooms’ Indoor Air Quality and Thermal Comfort Conditions on Students’ Illness Related Absenteeism between Heating and Non-Heating Seasons—A Pilot Study
Deng, Shihan
IAQ and thermal comfort in 85 Midwestern US classrooms were linked to illness-related absenteeism (IRA). During non-heating, increased fine particles raised IRA by 3%; during heating, higher CO2 raised IRA by 3%, showing seasonal differences in risk…
Keywords: Absence rate, Attendance, Seasonal variation, Midwest US
Daylight and School Performance in European Schoolchildren
Baloch, R.M.
In 2,670 European children, daylighting factors—window shading, orientation, glazing, and window-to-floor ratio—positively correlated with math and logic test scores, highlighting the importance of classroom daylight for academic performance.
Keywords: Illuminance, Natural light, Indoor air quality , School, Performance
Experimental investigation of the potential influence of indoor air velocity on students' learning performance in summer conditions
Wang, Dengjia
Study found that higher air velocity (0.1 to 1.0 m/s) reduced learning performance in primary and secondary students at 26°C and 29°C. Optimal learning occurred at “slightly warm” thermal sensation, linking thermal comfort to cognitive outcomes.
Keywords: Students, Learning performance, Thermal comfort, Air velocity, Summer
Evaluation of drinking water quality in schools in a District Area in Hanoi, Vietnam
Hung, Dang The
Water quality tests in 154 Hanoi schools found some microbial contamination (Coliform 9.7%, E.coli 7.8%) and chemical deviations (pH, nitrite, permanganate). Regular monitoring and treatment are needed to ensure safe drinking water for children.
Keywords: Drinking water, Tap water, Water quality, Chemicals, Microbes, Hanoi, Vietnam
Effects of educational efforts in tribal homes and schools to reduce asthma triggers, symptoms and missed school days
Haverinen-Shaughnessy, U.
Targeted education in Cherokee and Nez Perce homes and schools showed some reductions in allergens and improved asthma control in children, with better cleaning linked to lower school absences. Health improvements were partially attributed to these…
Keywords: None listed by authors
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