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 541 - 550 of 680 | Export entire research library
Risk factors associated with myopia in schoolchildren in Ireland
Harrington, Siofra Christine
Cross-sectional study of 1,626 Irish schoolchildren assessed myopia prevalence and risk factors, including screen time, daylight exposure, and obesity. Results showed higher myopia in older, non-white, screen-heavy, sedentary kids, supporting public…
Keywords: None listed by authors
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
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
London congestion charge: the impact on air pollution and school attendance by socioeconomic status
Keivabu, Risto Conte
Used difference-in-differences on London school data (2012-2019) to assess air quality and absences after congestion zone policy. Absenteeism fell in high-low-SES schools where NO₂, PM, benzene dropped. Targeted traffic policy may reduce pollution-…
Keywords: Air pollution, children, Socioeconomic inequalities, Environmental policy
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
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
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
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
Air quality education in public schools
Al-Abadleh, Hind
Outreach with 350+ students used air quality sensors and hands-on labs to build knowledge and motivate school-level actions for improving local air quality.
Keywords: None listed by authors