Harvard Study Reveals How Air, Water, Light, and Sound Quality in Schools Directly Affects Student Health, Cognition, and Performance

Source: School of Public Health, H. T. H. C. (n.d.). FOR HEALTH SCHOOLS FOUNDATIONS FOR STUDENT SUCCESS HOW SCHOOL BUILDINGS INFLUENCE STUDENT HEALTH, THINKING AND PERFORMANCE forhealth.org FOR HEALTH. https://schools.forhealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Schools_ForHealth_UpdatedJan21.pdf

LEARN Brief and Infographic Credits: n/a

Overview: 

This report was produced by the Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health under the direction of Dr. Joseph Allen. Its stated purpose is to serve as an evidence-based tool for stakeholders and decision-makers to address providing school facilities that support student health, thinking, and performance.

The foundational, organizing principle of this report is that school building environmental factors can and do impact student health which in turn has meaningful associations and relationships with student thinking and student performance. Rich in detail, it addresses the factors of ventilation and indoor air quality, water quality, dusts, pests, mold, and moisture, thermal health, lighting and views, acoustics and noise, and safety and security.

Each key environmental factor is examined in terms of recognized standards, evidence of its presence and prevalence in schools, and the negative associations and relationships to student health, thinking, and performance. It then provides the positive effects for students when the environmental factor meets or exceeds standards. Readers will find convincing, evidence-based findings written in accessible language that can be used to inform and build capacity in staff, students, parents, communities, and decision-makers on the role of school buildings in student health and success.

In closing, this report also serves as an introduction and gateway into the extensive, accessible resources on healthy school environments developed by the T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

Key Insights:

Dr. Joseph Allen’s comprehensive report from the Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health offers a wealth of evidence-backed insights regarding how the environmental aspects of school facilities can significantly impact student health, cognition, and overall performance.  It thoroughly examines key factors such as ventilation, indoor air quality, water quality, lighting, acoustics, and safety, and clearly demonstrates the positive effects on students when these environmental factors meet or surpass recognized standards. This accessible resource can be an instrumental tool for educators and stakeholders who want to create healthier and more conducive school environments, thus driving better student outcomes.

Action Steps: 

Improving building conditions also improves student’s ability to learn. A focus on good lighting, air quality, and safe learning conditions is critical to students being able to perform their best. 

Full Study: https://schools.forhealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Schools_ForHealth_UpdatedJan21.pdf