We often talk about radon levels in homes, because that is where people spend a majority of their time. A home should be the safest environment, which is why high levels of radon don’t belong there. Outside of their homes, children spend the majority of their time in school buildings during the school year. All environments where there are large amounts of time being spent need to be safe. Children and staff need to be in an environment where high radon levels are not a factor. For the sake of promoting healthy and safe school environments, let’s discuss some important points to take note of when it comes to radon testing and mitigation in schools.
School Districts in Wisconsin are always discussing new projects for better learning environments. Whether it is a new gymnasium, smart boards, or paint on the walls of hallways, plans are made and renovations take place from one year to the next. A common renovation that may break ground for a school district is the installation of a new HVAC system. A new HVAC system has tons of positive benefits for a school, but according to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, new HVAC systems can present risks for high levels of radon accumulation post installation and beyond if not addressed. If there have been any changes made to the HVAC system, it needs to be tested for radon levels.
Radon of course is a byproduct of uranium and radium gas that comes from the ground soil and is undetectable by smell or sight. This unrecognizable gas is also the 2nd leading cause of lung cancer in Wisconsin and responsible for 21,000 deaths each year. It makes its way through foundation cracks and pressure vacuums caused by heat distribution. Some classrooms may be more impacted than others based on where they are located in the building. If a classroom has contact with the ground, or above unoccupied spaces directly in contact with the ground, they could be more at risk for accumulating high levels of radon.
Both short term and long term tests can be conducted to inform school districts and administrations about what they are dealing with when it comes to radon. Short term tests can be conducted during the school day in winter months. Long term tests give a better representation of the average level over a period of time. WDHS does advise a licensed radon testing professional to perform these tests. American Radon Removal is happy to assist school districts in need of radon testing after any HVAC system modifications or renovations.
At American Radon Removal, we feel it is important for schools to sustain a safe, and radon free environment. The goal is for each classroom and hallway to have a stand alone radon level that is less than 4pCi/L. Let us help you protect your school with our radon mitigation services!