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 21 - 30 of 585 | Export entire research library
Indoor air quality in classrooms: Environmental measures and effective ventilation rate modeling in urban elementary schools
Johnson, David L.
IAQ in 12 Oklahoma elementary schools was assessed using seasonal 24-h sampling of PM, CO₂, CO, NO₂, VOCs, formaldehyde, temp, and humidity. A transient mass balance model estimated effective fresh air ventilation. Many rooms lacked sufficient…
Keywords: Ventilation, Indoor air quality, Transient mass balance
Characterization and source identification of fine dust in Seoul elementary school classrooms
Heo, Sujeong
Field study measured PM2.5 in Seoul elementary schools near traffic; indoor levels were below outdoor and guideline limits. Source analysis showed 58.5% of PM2.5 came from outdoors. Findings support urban planning and school design to reduce…
Keywords: School air quality, Particulate matter (PM), PM 2.5, Emission source, Chemical constituent
Overheating in Schools: Factors Determining Children’s Perceptions of Overall Comfort Indoors
Domínguez-Amarillo, Samuel
Mixed-method post-occupancy study assessed thermal comfort perceptions of secondary school students in Seville using emotional drawings, group debate, and surveys; findings support participatory design for energy-efficient classrooms.
Keywords: Heat perception, User's perception, Thermal comfort, Qualitative technique, POE
Seasonal variations of indoor air quality and thermal conditions and their correlations in 220 classrooms in the Midwestern United States
Deng, Shihan
2-year repeated seasonal monitoring of IAQ and thermal conditions in 220 Midwestern US classrooms assessed CO₂, ventilation, particles, and formaldehyde; results highlight need for year-round monitoring to improve school environmental quality.
Keywords: Ventilation rate, Seasonal variation, Formaldehyde, Classrooms, Midwestern United States
Natural Ventilation Effectiveness of Awning Windows in Restrooms in K-12 Public Schools
Chung, Sung-Chin
Using CFD modeling, this study assessed natural ventilation performance of awning window configurations in K-12 school restrooms. Findings support optimized window design to improve air quality and hygiene in aging public school facilities.
Keywords: Natural ventilation, Air environment, School restroom, Awning window, CFD
School-based exposure to hazardous air pollutants and grade point average: A multi-level study
Grineski, Sara E.
Using parent-reported GPA for 1888 students, this study links academic performance to school-based exposure to hazardous air pollutants. Multi-level models show diesel PM and respiratory toxics reduce GPA, supporting stronger school siting and air…
Keywords: Environmental justice, Academic performance, Hazardous air pollutants, Children
Optimal design of classroom spaces in naturally-ventilated buildings to maximize occupant satisfaction with human bioeffluents/body odor levels
Acosta-Acosta, Dario F.
A multi-objective optimization model simulates natural ventilation and cost in classrooms to control body odor from human bioeffluents. Results support ventilation-based design decisions to improve occupant satisfaction and reduce energy use in…
Keywords: Natural ventilation, Indoor air quality, Human bioeffluents, Human body odor, Education buildings, Multi-objective genetic algorithm
Ten questions concerning thermal and indoor air quality effects on the performance of office work and schoolwork
Wargocki, Pawel
This review summarizes decades of field and laboratory research on indoor air quality and thermal conditions. It finds that even commonly accepted indoor environments may reduce schoolwork performance by up to 30%, supporting the need for stronger…
Keywords: Office work, Schoolwork, Learning, Cognative performancce, Thermal environment, Indoor air quality
Academic stars and Energy Stars, an assessment of student academic achievement and school building energy efficiency
Apriesnig, Jenny L.
Panel data analysis linked Energy Star scores of 47 school buildings to standardized test outcomes. Results showed no trade-off between energy efficiency and academic performance. Visual and thermal comfort were positively associated with learning.
Keywords: EnergyStar, Energy efficiency, Student achievement, Indoor environmental quality
Sociodemographic variations in the association between indoor environmental quality in school buildings and student performance
Benka-Coker, Wanda
Regression analysis linked building-level IEQ scores to student test results in a diverse Colorado district. Improved IEQ associated with modest gains, especially for high-risk student groups. Findings support equity-focused school facility…
Keywords: Indoor environment, Academic performance, Student-level achievement, School buildings, Quantile regression, Achievement disparities