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 551 - 560 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
Assessment of ventilation and indoor air pollutants in nursery and elementary schools in France
Canha, Nuno
Study of 51 classrooms in 17 French schools measured ventilation rates, VOCs, PM2.5, CO2, temperature, and humidity over one week; 91% had insufficient ventilation. Results support improving mechanical ventilation and IAQ to protect children’s…
Keywords: Air stuffiness index, CO2, volatile organic compounds, Aldehydes, particulate matter
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
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
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
Ventilation procedures to minimize the airborne transmission of viruses in classrooms
Stabile, Luca
Mass balance simulations quantified air exchange rates needed to keep SARS-CoV-2 transmission risk low in classrooms; results support CO₂-based feedback ventilation controls, offering actionable strategies for reducing airborne virus spread in…
Keywords: exhaled CO₂, Virus transmission, Air exchange rate, Ventilation, Schools, SARS-CoV-2
Current asthma, respiratory symptoms and airway infections among students in relation to the school and home environment in Japan
Takaoka, Motoko
Questionnaire and environmental measurements in Japanese junior high schools linked high humidity, student density, and airborne cat allergens to airway infections; findings underscore need for better indoor air quality in schools.
Keywords: Asthma, Respiratory symptoms, Airway infection, Students, Japan
Effectiveness of Using Enhanced Filters in Schools and Homes to Reduce Indoor Exposures to PM2.5 from Outdoor Sources and Subsequent Health Benefits for Children with Asthma
Martenies, Sheena
Probabilistic models estimated Detroit school/home PM2.5 reductions using enhanced filters; results showed 13% cut in asthma burden for children. Efficient school filtration is a potentially cost-effective public health intervention.
Keywords: None listed by authors
Onset of Respiratory Symptoms Among Chinese Students: Associations With Dampness and Redecoration, PM₁₀, NO₂, SO₂, and Inadequate Ventilation in the School
Li, Tian
Two-year cohort study of 1,325 Chinese junior high students examined dampness, redecoration, and indoor pollutants; found links between school environmental factors and respiratory symptom onset, highlighting school air quality intervention needs.
Keywords: Air pollution, children, Indoor, Longitudinal study, particulate matter, Respiratory symptoms
Toxicity Assessment of 91-Day Repeated Inhalation Exposure to an Indoor School Air Mixture of PCBs
Wang, Hui
Experimental study exposed rats to school-simulated airborne PCBs over 91 days; observed neurobehavioral, immune, metabolic, and gene expression impacts, emphasizing school air PCB exposure as a health concern.
Keywords: Aroclor, Inhalation toxicity, Metabolomics, Neurotoxicity, Polychlorinated biphenyls, PCBs, School indoor air, Long-term exposure