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 201 - 210 of 680 | Export entire research library
Predicting environmental risk factors in relation to health outcomes among school children from Romania using random forest model - An analysis of data from the SINPHONIE project
Lin, Ziqiang
Machine learning and logistic regression analyzed school/home environments and child health in Romania. Risk factors like tobacco smoke, dampness, traffic, and noise predicted symptoms. RF models showed better prediction, guiding environmental…
Keywords: children, Exposure, Health outcomes, Logistic regression, Machine learning
Reimagining spaces where children play: developing guidance for thermally comfortable playgrounds in Canada
Kennedy, Eric
Experts developed Canadian guidelines for thermally comfortable playgrounds, including shade and vegetation, incorporated into national standards. This supports safer outdoor spaces, reducing heat-related health risks for children amid climate…
Keywords: children, Playgrounds, Microclimate, Environmental, Environment and public health, Recreation
School Children Exposure to Low Indoor Air Quality in Classrooms During COVID-19 Pandemic: Results of a Pilot Study
Kulo, Aidą
IAQ parameters (PM2.5, CO2, temperature, humidity) were monitored in four elementary schools during COVID-19. Despite restrictions, many values exceeded recommendations in heating season, highlighting the need for improved ventilation and climate…
Keywords: Indoor air quality , Classrooms, Green building certification, Health, COVID-19
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
Practical Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Indoor Air Quality and Thermal Comfort in Kindergartens. A Case Study of Slovenia
Lovec, Vesna
CO2, temperature, and humidity were monitored in Slovenian kindergartens for 125 days before/during COVID-19. Ventilation protocols improved air quality, reducing CO2 by 30%, supporting pandemic-era indoor air strategies in schools.
Keywords: Kindergartens, IAQ, COVID-19, Thermal comfort
Air quality around schools: Part I - Air quality around schools: Part I - A comprehensive literature review across high-income countries comprehensive literature review across high-income countries
Osborne, Stephanie
This UK-based review of 100 studies found that outdoor air pollution near schools peaks during commutes and at school gates. Traffic is a key source. Recommendations include clean air zones, green barriers, and safer school siting and scheduling.
Keywords: Outdoor air pollution, School, children, Exposure, Commuting
Air pollution and lung function in children
Garcia, E.
This review summarizes evidence linking air pollution—including wildfire smoke, indoor fuel use, and VOCs—to impaired child lung function. It highlights knowledge gaps and calls for multi-level interventions to reduce exposures and improve outcomes.
Keywords: children, Lung function, Fev1, FVC, Air pollution, Wildfire, Gas stoves, Biomass
Airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2: ventilation improvement strategies in preparation for school re-opening
Lung, David
Hong Kong schools risk airborne COVID-19 spread due to poor ventilation. Despite mask use, outbreaks occurred. Drawing from restaurant policies, the article urges urgent ventilation upgrades in schools using filtration and air cleaning technologies.
Keywords: None listed by authors
Environmental Exposures in Singapore Schools: An Ecological Study
Periyakoil, Divya
In Singapore, students traveling farther to higher-caliber schools faced increased environmental exposures. Moderate temps, low noise/humidity, and more AC time correlated with better performance, highlighting school siting’s public health role.
Keywords: Environmental, Thermal comfort, children’s health, Pollution, Academic performance, School, Population health, Ecological study
Factors affecting variability in gaseous and particle microenvironmental air pollutant concentrations in Hong Kong primary and secondary schools
Che, Wenwei
In 32 Hong Kong schools, indoor PM and gas levels were largely driven by outdoor concentrations. Outdoor air accounted for 50-90% of indoor pollution. Findings support targeting ambient pollution and infiltration control to protect children’s health.
Keywords: fine particulate matter (PM2.5), Indoor air quality , Nitrogen dioxide (NO2), Ozone (O3), respirable particulate matter (PM10), School exposure