Heat waves cause classroom temps to soar, prompt need for safer learning environments, UB nursing professor says

BUFFALO, N.Y. – Soaring temperatures are disrupting K-12 classrooms this week. It’s particularly concerning in the Midwest and Northeast, where many schools lack air conditioning systems.

With climate change accelerating and causing longer and more intense heat waves, the problem is expected to grow. This has led states, such as New York and Connecticut, to consider laws that set a maximum temperature for classrooms.

University at Buffalo nursing researcher Daniel Jackson Smith studies how climate change affects the health outcomes of various populations within a community, including public school systems.

“Creating a safe learning environment during heat waves is about balancing immediate needs with long-term, sustainable solutions that work for all students and staff,” says Smith, an assistant professor of nursing at the UB School of Nursing

Addressing heat in schools is a complex issue that requires a multi-faceted approach, he says. Beyond temperature control, schools need to focus on education and preparedness, ensuring that both students and staff understand the risks associated with heat and know how to respond effectively, he says. This includes having clear policies for heat emergencies, providing access to water, encouraging appropriate clothing, and ensuring that health services are ready to handle heat-related issues.

Below, Smith discusses the impact of overheated classrooms and how school districts can respond to hot weather events. 

Why is it important to set a maximum classroom temperature?

Setting a maximum classroom temperature is essential from a public health perspective because prolonged exposure to high heat can lead to serious health risks, such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Children, in particular, are vulnerable to extreme temperatures due to their bodies' higher metabolic rates and lower sweat production, making it harder for them to cool down. Additionally, persistent exposure to high temperatures can worsen chronic conditions like asthma or cardiovascular issues, especially for those students and staff who already have health challenges. Ensuring that classrooms stay within a safe temperature range helps protect everyone’s health and well-being.

How does heat negatively affect students and staff?

Heat negatively impacts both students and staff in multiple ways, including cognitive function, physical health, mental health, productivity.

• High temperatures can lead to decreased cognitive performance. Students in overheated environments often struggle with concentration, memory, and learning, which can result in poorer academic outcomes.
• For physical health, exposure to heat increases the risk of dehydration, fatigue, heat cramps, and heat-related illnesses. This is particularly concerning for students engaging in physical activities or those with underlying health conditions.
• With mental health, extreme heat can contribute to irritability, anxiety, and stress, affecting the overall mental well-being of students and staff. It can also worsen existing mental health conditions, making the learning environment even less conducive.
• And for teachers and staff, working in a hot environment can lead to decreased productivity, higher rates of absenteeism, and increased stress, all of which can negatively impact the quality of education delivered.

Is keeping students at home during a heat wave the answer?

Sending students home during a heat wave might seem like a quick fix, but it’s not necessarily the best solution. Many students may face similar or even worse heat conditions at home, particularly those from low-income households without access to air conditioning or other cooling methods. For these students, school might actually be a safer and cooler environment. Instead of sending students home, schools should consider alternatives like early dismissal, moving students to cooler areas within the school, or adjusting schedules to avoid the hottest parts of the day.

Is going all out on installing air conditioning the answer?

Installing air conditioning in schools is a significant part of the solution, but it needs to be done thoughtfully. While AC can help maintain safe and comfortable temperatures, it’s also expensive and comes with environmental costs, such as increased energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Schools should explore sustainable cooling options, such as energy-efficient air conditioning systems, improving insulation, using fans and natural ventilation, planting trees for shade, and implementing "cool roofs" or green roofs to reduce heat absorption.