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 71 - 80 of 680 | Export entire research library
Ventilation Positive Pressure Intervention Effect on Indoor Air Quality in a School Building with Moisture Problems
Vornanen-Winqvist, Camilla
Ventilation was improved in 12 classrooms to maintain 5-7 Pa positive pressure, reducing TVOC, PM2.5, and altering indoor mycobiota. Occupant discomfort and symptom reports declined, suggesting pressurization prevents pollutant infiltration.
Keywords: Ventilation, Positive pressure, Indoor air quality , Mycobiota, Indoor air questionnaire, Moisture damage
Longitudinal development of the dust microbiome in a newly opened Norwegian kindergarten
Nygaard, Anders B.
Floor dust from a newly opened Norwegian kindergarten was sampled over 11 months and analyzed via 16S rRNA sequencing. Microbial shifts and antibiotic resistance genes were detected. Poor hygiene on some surfaces suggests need for revised cleaning…
Keywords: Kindergartens, Indoor microbiome, Dust analysis, Antibiotic resistance, Built environment
Radon in Schools: A Brief Review of State Laws and Regulations in the United States
Gordon, Kelsey
Review of U.S. state policies reveals inconsistent school radon regulations. Gaps in testing, mitigation, and disclosure may leave children at risk. Stronger, unified national standards are needed to reduce long-term health effects.
Keywords: Radon exposure, Environmental health of schools, State policy
Impact of School Air Quality on Children's Respiratory Health
Fsadni, Peter
In Maltese primary schools, indoor PM2.5, CO, and ozone exceeded health guidelines. Formaldehyde, NO₂, and ozone were linked to atopy; traffic near schools was linked to wheeze. Results support improving school air quality to protect children’s…
Keywords: Asthma, Atopy, Ozone (O3), School
Indoor Air Quality Problems at Home, School, and Work
Mainardi, Anne S.
Indoor air problems stem from sources like mold, cleaning products, pets, poor ventilation, and construction. They may cause respiratory symptoms, headaches, and fatigue. Prevention involves reducing sources, improving ventilation, and monitoring…
Keywords: None listed by authors
Use of CALPUFF to predict airborne Mn levels at schools in an urban area impacted by a nearby manganese alloy plant
Oter-Pregigueiro, Daniel
Using CALPUFF modeling and real meteorological data, Mn levels at 96 schools near a Spanish FeMn plant exceeded WHO guidelines in up to 24% of sites. Emission reduction scenarios suggest policy changes could reduce student exposure.
Keywords: Atmospheric manganese, children, School, Dispersion modelling, Calpuff
Indoor air quality in schools of a highly polluted south Mediterranean area
Ruggieri, Silvia
IAQ was assessed in 64 schools across 5 Central European countries. Formaldehyde, radon, and PM2.5 posed health risks, and 80% of schools exceeded CO₂ guidelines. Results highlight widespread IAQ concerns during the heating season.
Keywords: Air pollution, Der p 1, Endotoxins, Heavy metals, Indoor comfort parameters, fine particulate matter (PM2.5)
Nature contact at school: The impact of an outdoor classroom on children's well-being
Largo- Wight, E.
In a 6-week crossover trial, kindergarten lessons held outdoors led to fewer behavior redirections and off-task behaviors. While children’s self-reported happiness didn’t differ, teachers observed modest well-being gains, supporting nature-based…
Keywords: Nature contact intervention, Outdoor classroom, Green school, children
Effects of Ventilation Improvement on Measured and Perceived Indoor Air Quality in a School Building with a Hybrid Ventilation System
Vornanen-Winqvist, Camilla
A case study in a new school found that ventilation errors led to poor IAQ and microbial contamination. After fixing the system, CO₂, VOCs, and Trichoderma citrinoviride levels declined, showing ventilation improvements can reduce indoor exposures.
Keywords: Ventilation, Hybrid ventilation, Indoor air quality , Mycobiota, Indoor air questionnaire, School buildings, Trichoderma citrinoviride
Environmental assessments on schools located on or near former industrial facilities: Feedback on attenuation factors for the prediction of indoor air quality
Derycke, Virginie
In France’s “Sensitive Establishments” campaign, vapor intrusion risks in schools were assessed using attenuation factors. HVOC data showed older buildings had higher intrusion risk, supporting building age as a key parameter for IAQ screening.
Keywords: vapor intrusion, soil gas, volatile compounds, French national campaign, multivariate analysis, environmental assessment