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 301 - 310 of 680 | Export entire research library
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
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
Association of greenness surrounding school with aggression among adolescents: A multi-site study in China
Zhang, Yi
Among 15,301 Chinese adolescents, higher greenness around schools (NDVI 100m, 500m) was linked to lower total, verbal, and indirect aggression. Benefits were stronger in those ≥16 years. PM2.5 and NO₂ partly mediated the greenness-aggression…
Keywords: School surrounding greenness, Aggression, Adolescents, Multi-site study, China
Environment and the development of severe asthma in inner city population
Lee, Julia X.
Urban exposures—smoke, pests, mold, VOCs, radon, and heat—contribute to asthma burden. Inner-city residents face higher pollutant levels. This article reviews recent findings and outlines future research, interventions, and policy directions.
Keywords: Asthma, inner city population, School, Environmental health, environmental allergy
Effects of Allergen Exposure and Environmental Risk Factors in Schools on Childhood Asthma
Yarsky, Eva
Cockroach, mouse, dust mites, fungi, infections, ozone, and cleaners may raise asthma morbidity in schools. Remediation strategies show promise, but more research is needed to assess modifiable risks and the impact of school mitigation efforts.
Keywords: pediatric asthma, Schools, Environmental exposures, obstructive lung disease
Influence of point-of-use filters and stagnation on water quality at a preschool and under laboratory conditions
Clark, Gemma G.
POU filters at a preschool reduced chlorine but raised Pb after stagnation due to downstream plumbing. Over half of filtered samples exceeded 5 µg/L Pb. A 5-minute flush lowered Pb and bacteria. Filters should be part of a broader plumbing strategy.
Keywords: Point-of-use filter, Drinking water, Bacteria, Chlorine, Lead
Bangkok school indoor air quality: monitoring and intervention by positive pressure fresh air system
Ongwandee, Maneerat
A Bangkok study measured pollutants in 10 schools. PM sources varied by ventilation type; air-conditioned rooms had low air change and high fungi. A fresh air system reduced PM and sick building symptoms, improving student satisfaction with IAQ.
Keywords: School indoor air quality, Positive pressure fresh air system, PM2.5, Indoor environmental quality, Ventilation
Particulate matter in school buildings: Influence of influx control of outdoor PM particles and building renovation in summer
Jo, Ho Hyeon
A school case study found that architectural and facility renovations reduced PM influx by 8% with doors open. When combined improperly, PM increased indoors. Findings show both measures are needed and underscore the need for proper operation…
Keywords: Educational buildings, Indoor environment, particulate matter, Renovation, School entrance