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 531 - 540 of 680 | Export entire research library
Air Pollution, Student Health, and School Absences: Evidence from China
Chen, Siyu
Using data from 3,000+ schools in China, study linked daily air pollution and temperature inversions to respiratory illnesses and student absences. Results showed harmful effects even below air quality standards, highlighting need for stronger…
Keywords: Air pollution, Student health, school absences, China, Air quality standards
The relationships between classroom air quality and children’s performance in school
Wargocki, Pawel
Literature review of 20 studies (15,000 students) modeled how CO₂ levels and ventilation rates affect schoolwork speed, accuracy, exam scores, and attendance. Results predict significant performance gains from improved ventilation, supporting policy…
Keywords: children, Learning, Cognitive performance, Elementary schools, carbon dioxide
Perceptions of public primary school teachers regarding noise-induced hearing loss in South Africa
Ehlert, Katerina
This study surveyed South African primary teachers on noise-induced hearing loss, revealing high awareness but limited resources; findings support the implementation of hearing conservation programs and targeted teacher training.
Keywords: None listed by authors
School sessions are correlated with seasonal outbreaks of medically attended respiratory infections: electronic health record time series analysis, Wisconsin 2004-2011
Temte, J. L.
Time series analysis of ARI diagnoses from Wisconsin clinics showed increased risk when schools were in session; findings inform public health outbreak interventions.
Keywords: Influenza, Respiratory infections, Transmission
Effective mitigation of cross-contamination in classroom conditioned by intermittent air jet cooling with use of portable air cleaners
Karam, Jennifer
CFD modeling, validated with classroom experiments, evaluated intermittent air jet systems with portable air cleaners; found 67-87% reduction in cross-contamination exposure and minimal energy cost increase. Supports improved classroom ventilation…
Keywords: Intermittent air jet system, Portable air cleaners, Cross-contamination, Air quality in classroom
Effects of internal airflow on IAQ and cross-infection of infectious diseases between students in classrooms
Son, Sungwan
Full-scale testbed and CFD modeling in Korean classrooms assessed ventilation configurations and diffuser placements; floor return systems reduced PM2.5 levels and cross-infection risks compared to ceiling return. Findings offer design guidance to…
Keywords: Cross-infection, Floor return, Full-scale school ventilation performance test-bed, Indoor air quality , school classroom, Ventilation
Modeling the impact of improved indoor air quality on absenteeism in U.S. elementary schools
Young, Bonnie
Used absenteeism data and pollutant models in elementary schools to simulate IAQ improvements. CO₂ reduction showed strongest link to lower absences. Results support ventilation investment to improve equity in school attendance.
Keywords: Absenteeism, Elementary schools, Indoor air quality , CO2, particulate matter, Simulation
Inadequacy of air purifier for indoor air quality improvement in classrooms without external ventilation
Choe, Youngtae
Measured PM10, PM2.5, CO2 in Korean classrooms using IoT sensors before/after air purifier use. PM2.5 fell ~30%, but CO2 exceeded 1,000 ppm, showing poor ventilation. Students reported stronger effects from CO2 than PM. Purifiers alone are…
Keywords: School, particulate matter, carbon dioxide, Indoor air quality , Perceived air quality, Air purifier
Indoor air quality in Portuguese schools: levels and sources of pollutants
Madureira, J.
Measured PM, CO₂, VOCs, fungi, and bacteria in 73 classrooms from 20 Portuguese public primary schools. CO₂ and PM often exceeded limits. Fungal and bacterial levels were high even in ventilated rooms. Findings call for improved IAQ controls in…
Keywords: Indoor air quality , Schools, Bioaerosol, Ventilation, particulate matter, Indoor sources
A primary school driven initiative to influence commuting style for dropping-off and picking-up of pupils
Kumar, Prashant
A co-designed citizen science project with a primary school used smart sensor kits to monitor PM2.5 and CO₂ across drop-off, pick-up, and off-peak hours. Fine particulate levels peaked during car drop-off. Results inform strategies to alter…
Keywords: Citizen science, Smart citizen kits, Community engagement, Air pollution exposure, Iscape project