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 291 - 300 of 680 | Export entire research library
Social Inequities in Exposure to Traffic-Related Air and Noise Pollution at Public Schools in Texas
Chakraborty, Jayajit
In Texas, schools with highest NO₂ and road noise exposure served disproportionately Black, Hispanic, and low-income children. NO₂ linked to racial/ethnic minority and younger students; noise linked to socioeconomically deprived and older students.…
Keywords: children, Environmental justice, Air pollution, road noise, Public schools
Impact of agricultural activity on PM2.5 and its compositions in elementary schools near corn and rice farms
Jung, Chien-Cheng
PM2.5 from agricultural activities, especially near corn farms, significantly affected air quality in Taiwanese schools. Elevated potassium and crustal elements were noted. Industrial and traffic emissions also impacted schools. Policies are needed…
Keywords: Aerosol, Crustal element, Heavy metal, Indoor/outdoor air quality, Source apportionment
Exposure and dose assessment of school children to air pollutants in a tropical coastal-urban area
Kitagaway, Yasmin Kaore Lago
In Southeast Brazil, modeling showed children’s NO₂ exposure (22.3 μg/m³) was nearly twice passive sampler measures (12.3 μg/m³). Models also estimated O₃, PM₁₀, PM₂.₅, and PM₁ exposures, indicating potential health risks and advantages of modeling…
Keywords: children, Personal exposure, Dose, NO₂, Fine particles
Evaluation of particle generation due to deterioration of flooring in schools
Jo, Ho Hyeon
An experiment simulating floor material aging found PVC tiles emit more particles when aged, while wood emits fewer. Particulate matter from plastic was confirmed. Schools using plastic materials may expose children to more particles; eco-friendly…
Keywords: Deterioration, Emission rate, Microplastics, particulate matter, plastic building materials
The impact of a mine fire and smoke event on academic outcomes for primary and secondary school students
Berger, Emily
Following a mine fire, 303 students’ academic progress was analyzed. Secondary students in highly exposed areas showed an 18.5-month delay; no delays were found in primary students or linked to distress levels. Schools should monitor and support…
Keywords: academic outcomes, mine fire, posttraumatic stress, smoke, Students
Risk of illness-related school absenteeism for elementary students with exposure to PM2.5 and O3
Zhang, Ting
In 2,564 Jiangsu elementary schools, increases in PM₂.₅ and O₃ were linked to higher illness-related absenteeism, with risks underestimated by hospital data. Many absentees were cared for at home. Findings highlight the need for air quality…
Keywords: Fine particulate matter, Ozone, children’s health, Illness-related school absenteeism, Hospital visit record
Formation of cluster mode particles (1-3 nm) in preschools
Torkmahalleh, Mehdi Amouei
Cluster particle formation (1-3 nm) was measured in two preschools in Kazakhstan. Primary sources included candle burning; secondary particles arose from VOC oxidation during cleaning and painting. Adjusting cleaning practices may reduce children’s…
Keywords: Cluster mode particles, Preschool, Cleaning detergents, SOA, Ozone
Diurnal variation and potential sources of indoor formaldehyde at elementary school, high school and university in the Centre Val de Loire region of France
Hu, Dawei
Formaldehyde levels in French schools ranged 11-18 μg/m³, below WHO limits. Ventilation reduced levels by 25-38%. Tobacco smoke and cleaning products increased formaldehyde via secondary emissions. Controlling these sources is key to reducing indoor…
Keywords: Indoor air quality , Formaldehyde, School classrooms, Seasons
The effects of exposure to road traffic noise at school on central auditory pathway functional connectivity
Martínez-Vilavella, Gerard
In 229 children, higher road traffic noise in schools was linked to stronger subcortical auditory pathway connectivity, suggesting accelerated maturation. Effects did not reach the cerebral cortex. Implications for auditory development require…
Keywords: Noise, Traffic, children, Audition, Brain, Neuroimaging
Systematic Review of Literature on Speech Intelligibility and Classroom Acoustics in Elementary Schools
Murga, Silvia
A review of 23 studies found poor classroom acoustics—long reverberation and high background noise—reduce speech intelligibility in elementary schools. Improving acoustics is essential for better understanding and academic success.
Keywords: None listed by authors