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 241 - 250 of 680 | Export entire research library
Room-level ventilation in schools and universities
McNeill, V. Faye
This study reviews ventilation measurement methods and presents U.S. case studies across varied buildings. Room-level data gaps in schools and universities are highlighted, with examples of how ventilation data supports health-related decision-…
Keywords: Ventilation, HVAC, Indoor air, School, Sensors
Effects of a School-Based Garden Program onAcademic Performance: A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial
Davie, Jaimie N.
Cluster RCT of TX Sprouts in 16 low-income, majority Hispanic schools found a 6.5-point increase in 4th-grade reading scores. No effects for math or 5th grade. Findings support modest academic gains from gardening, nutrition, and cooking programs.
Keywords: Academic performance, Cooking intervention, Gardening, Hispanic, Low-income, Nutrition, school-based
Ventilation conditions and their influence on thermal comfort in examination classrooms in times of COVID-19. A case study in a Spanish area with Mediterranean climate
Miranda, M.T.
During winter exams in higher education centers, natural ventilation kept CO₂ levels well below IDA 2 limits, reducing COVID-19 risk. However, low outdoor temperatures led to discomfort. Findings support climate-based ventilation strategies.
Keywords: Ventilation, Thermal comfort, carbon dioxide (CO₂), Ventilation rate, Indoor air quality
Understanding teachers' experiences of ventilation in California K-12 classrooms and implications for supporting safe operation of schools in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic
Sanguinetti, Angela
A survey of 84 California teachers found poor awareness of mechanical ventilation and misperceptions of indoor air quality. Classrooms with lower ventilation were often rated more favorably. Findings highlight the need for CO₂ monitoring and…
Keywords: Air quality, Classrooms, Occupant perceptions, Thermal comfort, Ventilation
Trace elements in outdoor and indoor PM2.5 in urban schools in Xi'an, Western China: characteristics, sources identification and health risk assessment
Wang, Runyu
In two Xi’an middle schools, indoor and outdoor PM2.5-bound elements were elevated, with Ca, K, Fe, S, Zn, and Cl most abundant. Sources included coal, dust, and industry. Health risks from As and Cr were noted, with non-cancer risks exceeding safe…
Keywords: Indoor/outdoor, fine particulate matter (PM2.5), Heavy metals, middle school, Health risk assessment
The WHO Air Quality Guidelines 2021 promote great challenge for indoor air
Zhao, Bin
The 2021 WHO air quality guidelines set stricter targets for indoor and outdoor air. Meeting these indoor standards is challenging, requiring combined efforts in policy, technology, and education to improve air quality in built environments.
Keywords: None listed by authors
The potential for indoor fans to change air conditioning use while maintaining human thermal comfort during hot weather: an analysis of energy demand and associated greenhouse gas emissions
Malik, Arunima
Using fans before air conditioning raised comfort thresholds and cut energy use and emissions in Australia. At 1.2 m/s fan speed, energy demand dropped 76%. Findings support fans as a sustainable way to reduce AC reliance and greenhouse gas…
Keywords: None listed by authors
The influence of ambient aroma on middle school students' academic emotions
Yuanguang, Ma
In a study of 109 Chinese middle schoolers, sweet orange aroma improved academic emotions over 8 weeks. Students exposed to aroma reported more joy, hope, and relaxation, and less anger. Results suggest aromatherapy may support emotional well-being.
Keywords: Ambient aroma, Middle school student, Academic emotion
Survey and Measurements of Indoor Environmental Quality in Urban/Rural Schools Located in Romania
Catalina, Tiberiu
A survey of 790 students found IEQ issues in schools, especially in rural buildings. Urban schools had better winter thermal comfort due to upgrades, but city schools faced higher CO2 and PM levels. Ventilation and heating were key concerns overall.
Keywords: Indoor environmental quality, School buildings, Survey
The Effects of Traffic Air Pollution in and around Schools on Executive Function and Academic Performance in Children: A Rapid Review
Gartland, Nicole
This review of 9 studies found that PM2.5 and NO₂ in and around schools impair executive function and working memory in primary-aged children. PM10 may also affect attention and test scores. Findings highlight cognitive risks of school air pollution.
Keywords: Traffic-related air pollution, Cognitive function, Working memory, School, children, Academic achievement, Review