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 251 - 260 of 680 | Export entire research library
Per-Person and Whole-Building VOC Emission Factors in an Occupied School with Gas-Phase Air Cleaning
Stinson, Brett
Real-time VOC monitoring in a middle school air handler showed indoor sources emitted ~5.9 g/h of VOCs. Carbon scrubbing reduced supply VOCs by 38% and outdoor emissions by ~40%. Findings support gas-phase air cleaning to improve indoor and outdoor…
Keywords: Ptr-ms, Activated carbon, Indoor source strength, Indoor VOCs, Urban air quality
Multi-route exposure sampling of quaternary ammonium compounds and ethanol surface disinfectants in a K-8 school
Boles, Corey
In a K-8 Ohio school, air and surface sampling showed low exposure to ethanol and QACs from disinfectants. Bioburden was reduced effectively, and airborne levels remained below health benchmarks. Findings suggest minimal health risk with proper use.
Keywords: Disinfection, Ethanol, Exposure, Health effects, QACS, School
Measuring students’ exposure to particulate matter (PM) pollution across microenvironments and seasons using personal air monitors
Ryan, Ian
In a NYS study of 60 children, real-time PM2.5 monitoring showed higher exposure at home, especially in fall and evenings. School and transport levels stayed below EPA standards. Findings highlight home as a key PM exposure source needing further…
Keywords: None listed by authors
Indoor exposure levels and risk assessment of volatile organic compounds in residences, schools, and offices in China from 2000 to 2021: A systematic review
Liu, Ningrui
This systematic review of 2000-2021 data found high indoor VOC levels in Chinese buildings, especially benzene. VOCs declined over time and were lower in eastern regions. Findings support stricter air quality standards to reduce health risks.
Keywords: None listed by authors
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
Model-Estimated Association Between Simulated US Elementary School-Related SARS-CoV-2 Transmission, Mitigation Interventions, and Vaccine Coverage Across Local Incidence Levels
Giardina, John
In a model of US elementary schools, in-school mitigation (masks, ventilation) and student vaccination reduce COVID-19 transmission. Reducing mitigation safely depends on local incidence and vaccination rates, supporting responsive plans based on…
Keywords: None listed by authors
Measures implemented in the school setting to contain the COVID-19 pandemic
Littlecott, Hannah
Fifteen main studies show varied certainty on school COVID-19 measures: contact reduction, safer contacts, surveillance, and multicomponent strategies. Mask mandates and ventilation probably reduce cases. More high-quality research is needed to keep…
Keywords: None listed by authors
Children's effortful control skills, but not their prosocial skills, relate to their reactions to classroom noise
Jessica Massonie
This study links noise sensitivity in elementary children to lower effortful control skills but not prosocial skills, highlighting that children with weaker self-regulation may be more vulnerable to classroom noise and its impact on learning.
Keywords: Noise, Noise sensitivity, Health, children, Classrooms, Attention, Distraction, Annoyance, Temperament, Prosocial skills
Combined effects of ventilation rates and indoor temperatures on cognitive performance of female higher education students in a hot climate
Ahmed, R.
This study found female students’ cognitive performance improves at indoor temperatures of 20-23°C and CO2 levels around 600 ppm, indicating that optimal ventilation and thermal control enhance learning in educational buildings during short-term…
Keywords: Air-conditioned buildings, Cognitive performance, Educational buildings, Hot climates, Indoor air quality , Ventilation
Development of a Bayesian inference model for assessing ventilation condition based on CO2 meters in primary schools
Hou, Dandin
This study uses Bayesian inference to calibrate ventilation rates and analyze CO2 data in four primary school classrooms, identifying key uncertainties and showing that frequent CO2 measurements better capture ventilation dynamics critical for…
Keywords: COVID-19, Bayesian calibration, Markov chain, Monte carlo, Ventilation rate, School, carbon dioxide (CO₂)