Environmental Health

Environmental Health

Environmental Health

Introduction

The health of students is deeply connected to the environments where they live, learn, and play. Environmental factors—such as air quality, water safety, chemical exposures, and climate-related health risks—can significantly impact student well-being, academic success, and overall health outcomes.
 
As frontline healthcare providers in schools, school nurses play a critical role in identifying and addressing environmental health concerns, advocating for safe learning environments, and educating students, staff, and families on best practices for reducing exposure to environmental hazards.
 
NASN is committed to empowering school nurses with the resources, knowledge, and advocacy tools needed to support environmental health initiatives in schools. 

NASN Resources

Position Statements

Position Statement - Environmental Health

Journal Articles

Marquard S, Wade H, Oerther S. The Role of the School Nurse in Addressing Climate-Associated Illnesses: Vector-Borne Diseases. NASN School Nurse. 2024;0(0). doi:10.1177/1942602X241247143

Oerther S, Manspeaker S. The Role of the School Nurse in Addressing Climate-Associated Illnesses: Air Quality. NASN School Nurse. 2024;39(2):71-74. doi:10.1177/1942602X231200024

Oerther S, Berkley A, Reangsing C. The Role of the School Nurse in Addressing Climate-Associated Illnesses: Mental Well-being. NASN School Nurse. 2024;39(6):296-300. doi:10.1177/1942602X231214264

Combe L.G. Environmental Impacts on Student Health: A Call for School Nurse Action. NASN School Nurse. 2021;36(2):71-77. doi:10.1177/1942602X21991526

The links below have been identified by NASN as Internet resources that might be of interest to you. NASN does not intend to make any representations about the content on the linked web sites, nor does NASN intend to endorse any products associated or featured on any of those web sites.

National Guidelines

Healthy School Environments | U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Additional Resources

Clear the Air: Wildfires and Human Health | Chemical Insights Research Institute

Educational Series: Indoor Air Quality in Homes: An Educational Series for Nurses | California Nurses for Environmental Health & Justice 

Keeping Schools Healthy: Strategies for Good Air Quality | Chemical Insights Research Institute

National Environmental Public Health Tracking Network | Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

The Impact of 3D Printing on Indoor Air Quality in Schools and Pollutant Exposure | Chemical Insights Research Institute

Toolkit: Cleaning the Air on Wildfire Smoke: A Toolkit for Reducing Downwind Exposure Risks | Chemical Insights Research Institute

Toolkit: Navigating Climate Emotions in the Classroom: A Toolkit for Educators | Climate Mental Health Network

Video: Exploring the Impact of Extreme Heat on Human Health | Chemical Insights Research Institute

Video: How to Make and Use a DIY Air Cleaner | Chemical Insights Research Institute

Related Organizations

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Page last updated March 2025.