Radon Testing in SchoolsHigh levels of radon gas have been detected in schools and other larger structures throughout the entire US. The Environmental Protection Agency did a study on schools across the country and found that 1 in 5 schools tested had radon levels that exceeded the EPA action level of 4.0pCi/L. Radon is a naturally occurring soil gas that comes from the breakdown of uranium which can be found in soils across the country. Radon gas can enter a school through multiple different pathways in the foundation. After entry into the structure, radon cannot naturally dissipate, so it has the potential to build into higher concentrations. Where radon becomes dangerous is during its decay process.
As radon decays, it produces radioactive particles (radon daughters) that can easily be inhaled and release small bits of radiation into your lungs. Over time, this can damage the lining of the lungs and cause lung cancer. Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers, and alarmingly, children are more susceptible to its effects because of their increased respiratory rates. Not everyone who is exposed to radon gas will develop lung cancer as the risks of developing cancer from radon are dependent on the amount of radon you are exposed to and the longevity of exposure. However, it is important to consider that if a school has high concentrations of radon, the occupants inside will typically spend at least 8 hours a day breathing that in during the school week. Radon testing in schools is an affordable and life saving process that should be performed every two years. Lifetime Environmental Solutions has over 22 years of experience in the radon testing and radon mitigation field. We offer affordable and accurate radon testing for schools all over the US. Give us a call today for pricing and detailed test options. |
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Are Schools Typically Tested for Radon?
It is not mandatory that schools be tested for radon gas. However, as more and more people start to realize the dangers of radon exposure it is starting to become more common. Parents are starting to demand that their children's schools be tested for radon and for good reason.
According to the EPA approximately 20% of the schools nationwide have done some sort of radon testing. Some US states including Connecticut, Colorado, Florida and Virginia require all public schools to test for radon now, and hopefully more and more states take this approach in the future.
Performing radon testing in your school will not only detect any possible issues, but also ease the minds of students and parents alike. Give Lifetime Environmental Solutions a call today to take the first step to a radon free learning environment. You won't regret it.
It is not mandatory that schools be tested for radon gas. However, as more and more people start to realize the dangers of radon exposure it is starting to become more common. Parents are starting to demand that their children's schools be tested for radon and for good reason.
According to the EPA approximately 20% of the schools nationwide have done some sort of radon testing. Some US states including Connecticut, Colorado, Florida and Virginia require all public schools to test for radon now, and hopefully more and more states take this approach in the future.
Performing radon testing in your school will not only detect any possible issues, but also ease the minds of students and parents alike. Give Lifetime Environmental Solutions a call today to take the first step to a radon free learning environment. You won't regret it.
How Radon Testing in Schools is Performed:
There are a few different options for the type of radon test that can be performed in a school setting. These options include (but are not limited to)
Charcoal Testing
Charcoal testing kits are the most affordable and easy to use radon tests out there. They take a bit longer to receive results after completion because they need to be analyzed by a 3rd party laboratory, but they are the popular option for initial testing. Charcoal tests allow us to test many different locations within a building while simultaneously keeping the price very low.
Digital Testing
Digital testing monitors provide the fastest and most accurate radon testing results around. Digital testing monitors can provide results in as little as 3 days, and are calibrated yearly for pinpoint accuracy. Digital radon tests are widely regarded as the premier radon test option. Lifetime Environmental Solutions owns over 60 calibrated AirThings Corentium Pro radon testing devices that we can utilize to test your building. Call us to day to reserve!
Long Term Canister Testing
Long term canister tests can sample the radon in a school for up to a full year to get a more robust average. This radon testing option is typically performed after a short term test showed borderline results.
Each of these radon testing options provide their own set of benefits, and all can accurately determine the radon level inside of the structure. Per AARST and NRPP standards, all frequently occupied rooms that are in contact with the ground or above unoccupied basements or crawl spaces need to be tested. These rooms typically include classrooms, offices, gymnasiums, libraries, and science labs. Hallways and bathrooms do not typically need to be tested. During the radon testing process, closed conditions must be observed which means windows and doors should remain closed as much as possible. For this reason, most schools prefer that radon testing be done during winter or summer breaks so that students and staff do not interfere with the test units. Depending on the type of test being performed, radon testing can take as little as three days to complete if charcoal or digital testing is chosen and up to a full year if long term testing is chosen. As you can see in the graphic below, radon testing devices must be placed at least 3 feet away from doors and windows, and must be a minimum of 20 inches above the floor to avoid false positives or false negatives. Radon testing devices should also be placed in areas where they are unlikely to be disturbed or tampered with to get the best possible readings.
Radon testing in schools should always be performed by a certified radon testing company like Lifetime Environmental Solutions. Give us a call today to learn more!
Charcoal Testing
Charcoal testing kits are the most affordable and easy to use radon tests out there. They take a bit longer to receive results after completion because they need to be analyzed by a 3rd party laboratory, but they are the popular option for initial testing. Charcoal tests allow us to test many different locations within a building while simultaneously keeping the price very low.
Digital Testing
Digital testing monitors provide the fastest and most accurate radon testing results around. Digital testing monitors can provide results in as little as 3 days, and are calibrated yearly for pinpoint accuracy. Digital radon tests are widely regarded as the premier radon test option. Lifetime Environmental Solutions owns over 60 calibrated AirThings Corentium Pro radon testing devices that we can utilize to test your building. Call us to day to reserve!
Long Term Canister Testing
Long term canister tests can sample the radon in a school for up to a full year to get a more robust average. This radon testing option is typically performed after a short term test showed borderline results.
Each of these radon testing options provide their own set of benefits, and all can accurately determine the radon level inside of the structure. Per AARST and NRPP standards, all frequently occupied rooms that are in contact with the ground or above unoccupied basements or crawl spaces need to be tested. These rooms typically include classrooms, offices, gymnasiums, libraries, and science labs. Hallways and bathrooms do not typically need to be tested. During the radon testing process, closed conditions must be observed which means windows and doors should remain closed as much as possible. For this reason, most schools prefer that radon testing be done during winter or summer breaks so that students and staff do not interfere with the test units. Depending on the type of test being performed, radon testing can take as little as three days to complete if charcoal or digital testing is chosen and up to a full year if long term testing is chosen. As you can see in the graphic below, radon testing devices must be placed at least 3 feet away from doors and windows, and must be a minimum of 20 inches above the floor to avoid false positives or false negatives. Radon testing devices should also be placed in areas where they are unlikely to be disturbed or tampered with to get the best possible readings.
Radon testing in schools should always be performed by a certified radon testing company like Lifetime Environmental Solutions. Give us a call today to learn more!
Disclosure of Test Results
There is no law that requires that radon testing data be released to the public, so once a test has been performed you may decide who receives the results. Lifetime Environmental Solutions will keep all radon testing data private and will only send the data to the recipients of your choosing. We do recommend keeping your students and staff informed of radon test results after the process is completed, but it is your right to keep that information confidential until mitigation is performed. If you have any questions regarding radon testing in your school, give us a call today!
What To Do if Your School Tests High for Radon Gas
If the results of the radon tests performed at your school show levels above 4.0pCi/L (The EPA action level for radon gas) additional tests need to be performed in each room that tests above that threshold to confirm the results. If the average is indeed above 4.0pCi/L, a radon mitigation system will need to be installed to lower the radon levels inside of the school to a safe range. Lifetime Environmental Solutions will aid you though the testing process and explain the test results in detail to help you make an informed decision. If radon removal is necessary, we will give you a free estimate. To learn more about radon mitigation in schools, click HERE or give us a call!