Radon Action Month - What is Radon?

Radon is a naturally occurring colorless and odorless radioactive gas that comes from the natural decay of uranium in soil, rock, and water. It can enter buildings, including schools, through the ground and accumulate to levels that may pose health risks when inhaled.

A nationwide survey of radon levels in schools estimates that nearly one in five has at least one schoolroom with a short-term radon level above the action level of 4 pCi/L (picoCuries per liter) - the level at which Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends that schools take action to reduce the level. EPA estimates that more than 70,000 schoolrooms in use today have high short-term radon levels.

The EPA ranks indoor radon among the most serious environmental health problems facing us today. After smoking, it is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States causing an estimated twenty-one thousand (21,000) lung cancer deaths a year.

Radon issues in schools can vary depending on factors such as geographic location, building construction, and local geological conditions. In some areas, elevated levels of radon may be more common due to the presence of certain types of soil and rocks that release radon gas.

Radon can enter a building through the ground in several ways. Here are the primary pathways through which radon can enter a building:

1.       Soil:

·       Soil Gases: Radon is released from the soil and enters buildings through openings in the foundation. This can include cracks in the foundation, floor slabs, sump pumps, utility connections, gaps around pipes and floor drains, and other openings.

·       Crawl Spaces: Buildings with crawl spaces can allow radon to seep in through the soil. Radon can enter the crawl space and then move upward into the living spaces of the building. 

2.       Groundwater:

·       Well Water: In some cases, radon can be present in groundwater. When well water containing radon is used in a building, radon can be released into the indoor air through water use such as showering, washing dishes, and other activities. 

3.       Building Materials:

·       Building Materials: Some building materials, particularly those derived from the ground (such as concrete and granite), can contain traces of uranium, and contribute to indoor radon levels. However, the primary source of radon in buildings is usually soil and rocks beneath and around the structure.

Once radon enters a building, it can accumulate and become concentrated, especially in enclosed spaces with poor ventilation. Long-term exposure to elevated levels of radon is associated with an increased risk of lung cancer, especially in individuals who smoke. Children, in particular, may be at risk due to their longer life expectancy and the potential for increased cumulative exposure. Testing for radon is the most effective way to determine if elevated levels are present, and mitigation measures can be implemented to reduce radon concentrations if necessary.

To address the potential threat of radon in schools, many educational institutions conduct radon testing. The EPA recommends that schools test for radon and take action if elevated levels are detected. Mitigation measures, such as improving ventilation or installing radon mitigation systems, can be implemented to reduce radon concentrations.

If you have concerns about radon in schools, you can contact Carnow Conibear about performing radon testing.