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 91 - 100 of 585 | Export entire research library
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.
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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…
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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, Carbon dioxide (CO2), Volatile organic compounds (VOCs), Aldehydes, Particulate matter (PM)
Submicron fungal fragments as another indoor biocontaminant in elementary schools
Seo, SungChul
Study of 70 classrooms in eight South Korean elementary schools measured submicron fungal fragments before and after rainy season; indoor levels were higher than outdoor, and levels decreased after rain. Highlights need for seasonal monitoring and…
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Cleaning practices and cleaning products in nurseries and schools: to what extent can they impact indoor air quality?
Wei, W.
Survey of 310 French schools identified 152 chemicals in cleaning products, many harmful; evening wet mopping with open windows was common. Findings support safer product use and improved ventilation to protect child health.
Keywords: Cleaning products, Indoor air quality, Volatile organic compounds (VOCs), Nursery, Children, Health effects
Do classroom ventilation rates in California elementary schools influence standardized test scores? Results from a prospective study
Mendell, M. J.
Longitudinal study analyzed CO₂-based ventilation rates over two years in 150 classrooms; test score data showed small positive associations between ventilation and English/math outcomes. Findings suggest improving ventilation to current standards…
Keywords: Ventilation, Schools, Learning, Achievement, Children, Indoor air quality
Dust levels of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and polybrominated dibenzo-p-dioxins/furans (PBDD/Fs) in the Taiwanese elementary school classrooms: Assessment of the risk to school-age children
Gou, Yan-You
This study measured PBDEs and PBDD/Fs in floor dust from Taiwanese elementary classrooms, comparing urban and rural schools; results showed similar risk levels, supporting ongoing monitoring of brominated flame retardants in schools.
Keywords: Polybrominated dibenzo-p-dioxins/furans, Polybrominated diphenyl ethers, Elementary classroom dust, Risk assessment, School-aged children
Indoor air quality in preschools (3- to 5-year-old children) in the Northeast of Portugal during spring–summer season: pollutants and comfort parameters
Oliveira, Marta
This study measured PM2.5, VOCs, formaldehyde, CO, O₃, CO₂, temperature, and humidity in two Portuguese preschools, finding TVOC levels exceeded recommendations; suggests ventilation improvements for safer preschool air quality.
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Semivolatile organic compounds in French schools: Partitioning between the gas phase, airborne particles and settled dust
Wei, Wenjuan
This French national study measured 52 SVOCs in air and dust across 308 nursery and elementary schools, developing models of gas-particle partitioning; findings inform SVOC exposure assessment and school air quality policies.
Keywords: Children, Classrooms, Flame retardant, Phthalates, PM 2.5, SVOCs
Ocular biometry, refraction and time spent outdoors during daylight in Irish schoolchildren
Harrington, Siofra C.
This study measured ocular biometry and refraction in Irish children aged 6–7 and 12–13, finding more daylight exposure in summer was linked to less axial elongation; suggests increasing outdoor time may help limit myopia progression.
Keywords: Ireland, Ocular biometry, Refractive error, School children, Time spent outdoors