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 31 - 40 of 680 | Export entire research library
Evaluation on exposures to particulate matter at a junior secondary school: a comprehensive study on health risks and effective inflammatory responses in Northwestern China
Xu, H.
In a Xi’an school, indoor and outdoor PMs, PAHs, and black carbon were linked to combustion sources. Cancer risk estimates from PAHs exceeded thresholds. Respiratory inflammation tests showed elevated FeNO in some students, indicating health…
Keywords: BC and PAHS, Cancer risks, Feno, Health assessment, Northwestern china, Particulate matter (PM)
Respiratory symptoms and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) among students in Penang, Malaysia in relation to signs of dampness at school and fungal DNA in school dust
Norback, Dan
FeNO, symptoms, and fungal DNA were assessed in 368 Malaysian students from 32 classrooms. Dampness and Aspergillus versicolor in dust were linked to wheeze, asthma, infections, and high FeNO, suggesting fungal exposure may impair respiratory health.
Keywords: Fungal dna, Building dampness, School environment, Asthma, Mold, children
Review and Extension of CO2-Based Methods to Determine Ventilation Rates with Application to School Classrooms
Batterman, Stuart
CO₂-based methods for estimating ventilation rates were evaluated in 4 school buildings. Transient mass balance was most accurate under dynamic occupancy. Findings support improved VR measurement to strengthen research on ventilation and health…
Keywords: Ventilation, Air change rate (ACH/AER), Carbon dioxide (CO2), School, Classrooms, Indoor air quality
The associations of indoor environment and psychosocial factors on the subjective evaluation of Indoor Air Quality among lower secondary school students: a multilevel analysis
Finell, E.
Data from 195 Finnish schools linked student surveys with principal reports to assess subjective IAQ. Both indoor air problems and poor psychosocial climate predicted worse IAQ ratings, with stress effects strongest in schools without reported air…
Keywords: psychosocial environment, Stress, Multilevel analysis, Lower secondary schools, Indoor air problems
Assessment of indoor levels of volatile organic compounds and carbon dioxide in schools in Kuwai
Al-Awadi, Layla
VOCs and CO₂ were measured across Kuwaiti schools to assess IAQ. High levels in labs and prep rooms were linked to solvent use and AC refrigerant leaks. Poor HVAC performance affected ventilation. Recommendations target pollutant reduction.
Keywords: None listed by authors
Building-related symptoms are linked to the in vitro toxicity of indoor dust and airborne microbial propagules in schools: A cross-sectional study
Salin, J.T.
Dust samples from Helsinki classrooms were tested for toxicity using boar sperm motility assays. Teachers in classrooms with higher in vitro toxicity reported significantly more building-related symptoms, suggesting a potential diagnostic tool.
Keywords: Building-related symptoms, Indoor dust, Airborne toxicity, Sperm motility, Indoor toxicity
Asthma symptoms among Chinese children: the role of ventilation and PM10 exposure at school and home
Fan, X-J
Questionnaire and pollutant data from 2134 students in Taiyuan linked home exposures (dampness, ETS, renovations) and school PM₁₀, CO₂, and humidity to increased wheeze, cough, and infections. Improved air quality may reduce respiratory symptoms.
Keywords: Asthmatic symptoms, Dampness, Particulate matter (PM), Respiratory infections, School students
Classroom acoustics as a consideration for inclusive education in South Africa
Reenen, Coralie
A systematic review found that South African classroom noise regulations fall short of international standards, disadvantaging students with sensory or learning impairments. Updated acoustic guidelines are needed to support inclusive education.
Keywords: None listed by authors
Toxicity of airborne dust as an indicator of moisture problems in school buildings
Tirkonnen, Jenni
PM samples from 8 schools were tested in vitro using macrophage assays. Teachers in moisture-damaged schools reported more respiratory symptoms. While raw PM toxicity did not differ, particle-adjusted toxicity was higher in damaged schools,…
Keywords: Indoor air, Moisture damage, Particulate matter (PM), School, Toxicity, In vitro
Evaluation of VOC concentrations in indoor and outdoor microenvironments at near-road schools
Raysoni, Amit U.
A 14-week El Paso study found higher outdoor BTEX VOCs at high-traffic schools and higher indoor VOCs from sources like cleaning products. Indoor and outdoor VOC profiles differed by source, with overall BTEX trends showing long-term regional…
Keywords: Air quality monitoring, Volatile organic compounds (VOCs), Btex, School, Passive samplers