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 181 - 190 of 680 | Export entire research library
Is brief exposure to green space in the school the best option to improve attention in children?
Anabitarte, A.
In a controlled study using the Attention Network Test with 167 children, exposure to green vs. grey school environments showed no effect on attention. Future studies should consider pollution, noise, and student fatigue to enhance sensitivity.
Keywords: Attention network test, Natural spaces, Mental health, Reml
Metagenomic characterization of indoor dust fungal associated with allergy and lung inflammation among school children
Isa, Khairul Nizam Mohd
PM2.5, NO2, and fungal species (e.g., T. asahii, P. bandonii, A. clavatus) were linked to changes in eosinophil/neutrophil adhesion molecule expression and FeNO levels in Malaysian schoolchildren, suggesting immune activation from indoor air…
Keywords: Allergy, Lung inflammation, Biomarkers, Fungi, Metagenomics
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
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
Is direct-drinking water safe for children? An analysis of direct-drinking water quality and its risk factors in Shanghai elementary and middle schools
Hu, Fen
Water samples from 183 Shanghai schools showed CFU, COD, and turbidity levels varied by temperature, location, and technology. Warm water (25-60 °C) raised CFU risk. Findings support regulations to improve safe school drinking water access.
Keywords: Direct drinking water, Elementary and middle school, children, Water safety, Health
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
Exposure to indoor air contaminants in school buildings with and without reported indoor air quality problems
Vornanen-Winquist, Camilla
In six Finnish schools, perceived IAQ complaints correlated with elevated airborne microbes and Trichoderma fungi detected via air and dust sampling. Other IAQ measures showed low levels, suggesting hidden moisture or mold issues in problematic…
Keywords: Indoor air quality , School, Trichoderma, Microbes, Online questionnaire
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
Identifying the K-12 classroom's indoor air quality factors that affect student academic performance
Kabirikopaei, Adel
In 220 U.S. classrooms, IAQ metrics like ventilation rates, particles, and CO/O₃ levels were linked to student test scores, even after adjusting for demographics. Findings support improved ventilation as a strategy to boost academic performance.
Keywords: Indoor air quality , Academic performance, Classrooms, Student demographics
Effect of ventilation strategies and air purifiers on the children's exposure to airborne particles and gaseous pollutants in school gyms
Pacitto, A.
In two Barcelona school gyms, air purifiers significantly reduced indoor/outdoor particle ratios—up to 95% in smaller gyms with high air changes per hour (ACH). Manual airing reduced purifier effectiveness, especially at low ACH (6% reduction).
Keywords: School gym, Air purifier, Particle number concentration, Black carbon, Particulate matter (PM), Indoor air quality