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 61 - 70 of 585 | Export entire research library
Air pollution and academic performance: Evidence from India
Balakrishnan, Uttara
Using ASER test data from 2008–2014 and satellite-based PM2.5 estimates, this study shows that short-term air pollution significantly reduces reading and math scores in Indian children. Results highlight school attendance as a key pathway and…
Keywords: Air pollution, Academic performance, Thermal inversions, India
Indoor bacterial load and its correlation to physical indoor air quality parameters in public primary schools
Andualem, Zewudu
Cross-sectional study in 51 classrooms at 8 Ethiopian primary schools used settle plate sampling to assess bacterial load and correlate it with PM2.5, PM10, temperature, and humidity. Findings call for better IAQ control to protect student health.
Keywords: Bacterial load, Classrooms, Correlation, Indoor air, Settle plate method
Investigation of CO₂ production depending on physical activity of students
Kapalo, Peter
CO₂ concentrations were measured in two university classrooms to assess how student physical activity influenced CO₂ generation. Increased physical exertion raised CO₂ levels, indicating inadequate ventilation and informing IAQ design in educational…
Keywords: Educational buildings, Indoor environment, Carbon dioxide production, Physical activity
Contribution of influential factors on PM2.5 concentrations in classrooms of a primary school in North China: A machine discovery approach
Yang, Guangfei
Indoor PM2.5 was monitored for 12 months in 10 classrooms using data-driven models. Partial derivative analysis revealed seasonal dynamics and influential contributors. Findings support sensor-based strategies to improve classroom air quality.
Keywords: Indoor PM2.5, Air pollution in classrooms, Machine learning, Data-driven
Investigating dilution ventilation control strategies in a modern U.S. school bus in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic
Van Dyke, Michael
CO₂ tracer decay method was used to measure air change rates under different ventilation configurations in school buses. Highest ACH achieved with windows and hatches open. Findings guide practical airborne infection mitigation during student…
Keywords: Air change rate (ACH/AER), COVID-19, Transmission, School bus, Tracer gas
Volatile Organic Compounds in Primary Schools in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam: Characterization and Health Risk Assessment
Lu, Khang H.
Indoor and outdoor VOCs were sampled in 4 Vietnam primary schools. Highest VOC levels found indoors; health risk modeled for students using measured concentrations. Study informs air quality management in urban schools.
Keywords: Primary schools, Volatile organic compounds (VOCs), Btex, Indoor air, Health risk assessment
Air pollution filtration effectiveness in two elementary schools
Tong, Zheming
PM2.5 and CO₂ were monitored in two NYC schools to assess filtration impact. CO₂ increased with reduced outdoor air; PM2.5 levels dropped significantly when filters were used. Findings support improved HVAC filtration to reduce indoor pollutant…
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Student absenteeism and the comparisons of two sampling procedures for culturable bioaerosol measurement in classrooms with and without upper room ultraviolet germicidal irradiation devices
Su, Chunxiao
Bioaerosols and absenteeism were measured in 6 Midwestern US classrooms with and without upper-room UVGI. Sampling close to occupied periods showed UVGI reduced culturable bacteria but not absenteeism. Results support time-sensitive evaluation of…
Keywords: Bioaerosol, Elementary schools, Indoor air quality, Upper room UVGI
Spatial Variations in Dengue Transmission in Schools in Thailand
Ratanawong, Pitcha
A cohort of 1,811 Thai students was monitored using serological tests and entomological surveys to assess dengue transmission in schools. Findings show vector clustering at schools, suggesting the need for targeted school-based control strategies.
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Spatial heterogeneity in health risks of illness-related absenteeism associated with PM2.5 exposure for elementary students
Wu, Yangyang
GAM analysis of 693,081 illness-related absences across 2,278 schools found PM2.5-related absentee risk varied spatially with economic and environmental modifiers. Targeted clean air policies should consider localized vulnerabilities.
Keywords: Particulate matter (PM), Spatial difference, Illness-related absenteeism, Elementary students