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 191 - 200 of 585 | Export entire research library
Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O157:H7 outbreak associated with school field trips at a farm animal exhibit—Tennessee, September–October 2023
Thomas, Christine M.
This epidemiological investigation identified an STEC O157:H7 outbreak linked to Tennessee school field trips, with 9 confirmed and 55 probable cases. Lab testing confirmed the source, underscoring the need for farm safety and zoonotic infection…
Keywords: Agritourism, Fair, Haemolytic uraemic syndrome, Petting zoo
Evaluating the effect of passive cooling strategies in school buildings on children's well-being in Barcelona: A quasi-experimental, mixed methods study
Sanz-Mas, Marta
This quasi-experimental study evaluated passive cooling in 11 Barcelona middle schools using surveys, photovoice, and interviews. Improvements in comfort, air quality, and concentration support broader adoption of passive cooling strategies in…
Keywords: Climate change adaptation, Passive cooling strategies, Children, School, Thermal comfort, Mixed methods
Assessment of indoor light-at-night exposure in children and adolescents during schooldays and weekends
Shi, Di
This observational exposure study used wearable photometers to measure indoor light-at-night among 897 Beijing children aged 6–14. Analysis by schedule and demographics supports interventions to reduce excessive nighttime light exposure in youth.
Keywords: Indoor light-at-night, Children and adolescents, LAN duration, Schooldays and weekends
Non-dietary exposure to phthalates in primary school children: Risk and correlation with anthropometric indices, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases
Wang, Yuchen
This exposure and epidemiological study measured phthalates in dust and air among 54 Chinese primary students and linked them to cardiovascular, respiratory, and anthropometric outcomes, highlighting the need for stronger environmental protections.
Keywords: Phthalates, Primary school children, Non-dietary exposure, Risk, Health effects
SARS-CoV-2 infection in school settings, Okinawa prefecture, Japan, 2021–2022
Takayama, Yoshihiro
This large-scale observational study in Okinawa used school-based PCR testing to estimate SARS-CoV-2 infection by school type and contact level. Despite many cases, low secondary transmission supports balancing public health with educational needs.
Keywords:
The impact of orientation changes in kindergarten activity rooms in different light climate zones of China on indoor daylighting environment
Qi, Liuxiang
This modeling study assessed how orientation changes in kindergarten rooms across five Chinese cities affect daylighting, uniformity, and glare. Simulations offer technical guidance to improve lighting design and visual comfort in early learning…
Keywords: Kindergarten activity room, Indoor daylighting simulation, Early childhood health, Daylighting orientation
A modeling study on SARS‑CoV‑2 transmissions in primary and middle schools in Illinois
Huang, Conghui
Using a stochastic model, this study simulated SARS-CoV-2 spread in 116 Illinois school districts. Varying mask use and testing levels affected infection rates, highlighting the role of protective measures in sustaining safe in-person learning.
Keywords: Compartment model, Primary and middle schools, SARS-CoV-2, Within-school transmission
The Prevalence of Childhood Asthma, Respiratory Symptoms and Associated Air Pollution Sources Among Adolescent Learners in Selected Schools in Vhembe District, South Africa
Rathogwa-Takalani, Funzani
A cross-sectional survey of 2,855 South African adolescents used ISAAC tools to assess asthma and wheeze. Indoor residual spraying, tobacco smoke, and paraffin use were significantly associated with increased respiratory symptoms.
Keywords: Asthma, Adolescents, Indoor residual spraying, Respiratory symptoms, ISAAC
Are Welsh primary schools Sunproofed? Results of a national survey, part 2: sun protection practices in primary schools in Wales
Abbott, Rachel
A national survey of 471 Welsh primary schools found that formal sun safety policies improved behaviors like shade provision, staff modeling, and curriculum use. Findings highlight gaps and support the need for stronger public health action.
Keywords:
SchoolHEAT: Racial and Ethnic Inequity in School Temperature
Jones, Kelly K.
This study used nationwide U.S. school temperature data and statistical modeling to show that schools with more Black and Hispanic students face higher indoor temperatures, especially in warmer months, highlighting the need for equitable climate…
Keywords: Land surface temperature disparities, School wellness, Climate, Heat exposure