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 211 - 220 of 680 | Export entire research library
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
Classroom Temperature and Learner Absenteeism in Public Primary Schools in the Eastern Cape, South Africa
Pule, Vicky
This yearlong study in South African classrooms found learner absenteeism peaked at low indoor apparent temperatures (<15 °C), suggesting thermal discomfort may affect school attendance. Findings support integrating thermal design into school…
Keywords: Climate change, Cold, Environmental health, Heat, Public health, Humidity, Schoolchildren
Aerosol fluorescence, airborne hexosaminidase, and quantitative genomics distinguish reductions in airborne fungal loads following major school renovations
Caballero, Marina
In 70+ Colorado classrooms, FAC and NAHA methods detected significant reductions in airborne fungi after renovations. FAC also aligned with qPCR results, supporting its use for real-time monitoring of fungal loads in school indoor environments.
Keywords: Pbap, Airborne fungi, Public schools, Quantitative polymerase chain reaction, Ultraviolet laser/light-induced fluorescence, β-N-acetylhexosaminidase
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
Associations between the indoor microbiome, environmental characteristics and respiratory infections in junior high school students of Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Fu, Xi
Surveyed 308 Malaysian students and classroom dust microbiomes to examine links to respiratory infections. Found protective bacterial and fungal taxa; HDM and NO₂ effects were mediated by microbes, highlighting environmental-microbiome-health…
Keywords: None listed by authors
Associations of greenness surrounding schools with blood pressure and hypertension: A nationwide cross- sectional study of 61,229 children and adolescents in China
Luo, Ya-Na
Cross-sectional study of 61,229 Chinese students found school-area greenness (VCF, NDVI, SAVI) was linked to lower blood pressure and 17-20% reduced hypertension odds. Urban boys showed stronger effects, suggesting greenness benefits cardiovascular…
Keywords: Green space, Blood pressure, Cardiovascular health, Pediatrics, Epidemiology
Asthma symptoms and respiratory infections in Malaysian students-associations with ethnicity and chemical exposure at home and school
Norback, Dan
Malaysian junior high study linked home painting and indoor para-dichlorobenzene to asthma and infections. VOCs and ethnic differences influenced risk, suggesting school/home chemical exposures may drive respiratory symptoms in tropical climates.
Keywords: Volatile organic compounds (VOCs), Para-dichlorobenzene, Ethylbenzene, School environment, Asthma, Respiratory infections
Dampness and student-reported social climate: two multilevel mediation models
Finell, Eerika
Using national data from 222 schools, this study found that mould and dampness indirectly worsened teacher-student relationships and class spirit by lowering perceived indoor air quality. Addressing IAQ may help improve school social climate.
Keywords: Indoor air quality , Class spirit, Multilevel analysis, Teacher-student relationships, Indoor environmental problems, Mold, Dampness
A slight increase in reverberation time in the classroom affects performance and behavioral listening effort
Prodi, Nicola
In a study of 302 students (ages 11-13), a small increase in classroom reverberation time worsened speech perception and listening effort, especially with background noise. Results highlight the need for optimized acoustics to support learning.
Keywords: children, Classroom acoustics, Comprehension, Listening effort, Math, Reverberation, Speech perception
A preliminary investigation of sound-field amplification as an inclusive classroom adjustment for children with and without Autism Spectrum Disorder
Wilson, Wayne
In a randomized trial, sound-field amplification (SFA) improved teacher-rated listening behaviors for all primary students and enhanced phonological processing in noise for students with ASD. SFA may aid inclusion, but effects on learning are…
Keywords: Sound field amplification (sfa), Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), Listening, Attention, Memory, Phonological processing, Educational achievement