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 311 - 320 of 680 | Export entire research library
Indoor environmental quality in naturally ventilated schools of a dusty region: Excess health risks and effect of heating and desert dust transport
Sahin, Cagri
CO₂, PM10, PM2.5, temperature, RH, and noise were monitored in Turkish schools. Pollutant levels rose during heating and dust events. Risk assessments showed notable asthma and bronchitis effects, supporting the need for mechanical ventilation…
Keywords: Dust transport, Excess risk, Indoor air quality , Indoor environmental quality, particulate matter, primary schools.
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
Vertical stratification and seasonality of fecal indicator bacteria in New York City playground sandboxes
Leri, Alessandra C.
A study of Manhattan playground sandboxes found high surface levels of enterococci and E. coli year-round. Open boxes were rapidly fouled, while covered ones stayed clean. Covering and frequent refills are suggested to reduce fecal contamination.
Keywords: Fecal indicator bacteria, Urban environmental health, children’s environmental health, Sandbox, Sand, Microcosm, Microbial source tracking, Enterococci, Escherichia coli
Assessment of personal deposited dose and particle size distribution of bacterial aerosol in kindergarten located in southern Poland
Brągoszewska, Eva
Bacterial aerosol doses in kindergartens were higher in autumn. Nose breathing reduced alveolar absorption by 33%. Risk assessments showed hazard indices <1, but high indoor/outdoor ratios suggest children’s and staff’s exposure should be reduced.
Keywords: Bacterial aerosol, Bioaerosol, Exposure dose, Kindergarten, Microbiological indoor air quality, Size distribution
Ventilation during COVID-19 in a school for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD)
Zand, Martin S.
In an IDD school, SARS-CoV-2 cases were significantly associated with time spent at CO₂ ≥1,000 ppm. MERV-13 filters lowered case counts. ACH alone showed no correlation. This research partnership identified areas for improving in-school ventilation.
Keywords: None listed by authors
Evaluation of the Relationship between Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO) with Indoor PM10, PM2.5 and NO2 in Suburban and Urban Schools
Isa, Khairul Nizam Mohd
A study of 470 students in Malaysia found PM2.5 and NO₂ were significantly associated with elevated FeNO in both suburban and urban schools. Results support the role of indoor air pollutants in school environments affecting airway inflammation in…
Keywords: Feno, School children, Urban, suburban, indoor pollutants
SARS-CoV-2 transmission with and without mask wearing or air cleaners in schools in Switzerland: A modeling study of epidemiological, environmental, and molecular data
Banholzer, Nicolas
SARS-CoV-2 was detected in saliva and air samples. Mask mandates reduced aerosol concentrations by 69% and transmission risk (OR 0.19); air cleaners reduced aerosols by 39% but had limited effect on transmission. CO₂ averaged 1,064 ± 232 ppm daily.
Keywords: None listed by authors
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