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 571 - 580 of 680 | Export entire research library
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
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
Asthma Prevalence and Mold Levels in US Northeastern Schools
Howard, Evin J.
Observational study compared mold levels in 32 northeastern US schools using ERMI index; found links between mold, building features, and asthma prevalence, supporting targeted environmental interventions.
Keywords: Asthma, ERMI, Mold, Northeast, Schools, Homes
A Multidisciplinary Research Framework on Green Schools: Infrastructure, Social Environment, Occupant Health, and Performance
Magzamen, Sheryl
Nonsystematic review developed a multidisciplinary framework linking sustainable school design, social climate, health, and performance; highlights policy need for evidence beyond energy cost savings.
Keywords: Sustainable schools, Indoor environmental quality, Indoor air quality , Occupant health, Occupant performance
The classroom microbiome and asthma morbidity in children attending three inner-city schools
Lai, Peggy S.
Pilot randomized trial in 25 children compared school vs home microbiomes; classroom diversity linked to asthma symptoms, supporting microbial-focused environmental health interventions.
Keywords: Asthma, School, Environment, microbiome, Shotgun metagenomics sequencing
Indoor CO₂ concentrations and cognitive function: A critical review
Du, Bowen
Review synthesized findings from 37 studies on indoor CO₂ exposure and cognitive performance, highlighting methodological gaps; calls for policy-guided research to establish safe exposure limits in schools.
Keywords: None listed by authors
Transferring from moisture damaged school building to clean facilities: The avoidance of mold exposure induces a decline in symptoms and improvement in lung function among personnel
Vilen, Liisa
Case study followed 45 Finnish school staff before and after relocation from moisture-damaged school; spirometry and nitric oxide tests showed symptom relief, supporting public health policy to move from damaged environments.
Keywords: Air quality, Indoor, Pulmonary function, Occupational exposure, Health, Occupational, Workplace, School
Teacher respiratory health symptoms in relation to school and home environment
Lin, Shao
Cross-sectional study of 104 Romanian teachers using SINPHONIE questionnaire; asthma, allergy, respiratory infections linked to indoor air quality perceptions and policies. Findings highlight urgent need for school environmental health interventions.
Keywords: Teacher, School environment, Home environment, Policies, Respiratory health, Romania
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