Keeping Schools and Public Buildings Safe from Radon Exposure

What is Radon?

Radon is a colorless, odorless and tasteless gas that is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States according to the EPA. It is formed by the decay of uranium and is commonly found in soil and rock. Radon can seep into buildings through cracks and holes in the foundation, and can build up to dangerous levels when not properly mitigated.

Testing for Radon

The only way to know if there are elevated levels of radon in a building is to conduct a test. The EPA recommends that all schools and public buildings be tested for radon every five years. If elevated levels are found, further testing and mitigation measures should be taken to protect the health and safety of building occupants.

Radon testing can be done using two methods: short-term tests and long-term tests. Short-term tests usually take between two and seven days and are typically used to determine if more testing is needed. Long-term tests run for more than 90 days and provide a more accurate picture of average radon levels over time. Both types of tests can be performed by a professional contractor or purchased at a local hardware store.

Mitigating Radon Levels

If elevated radon levels are found, there are a number of mitigation measures that can be taken to reduce exposure. One of the most common is sub-slab depressurization, which involves installing a vent pipe through the foundation and up through the roof to create negative pressure under the building. Other measures may include sealing cracks and gaps in the foundation, improving ventilation or air circulation, or installing a radon mitigation system.

It is important to hire a qualified contractor to perform mitigation work to ensure that it is done correctly. In addition, retesting should be done after mitigation to ensure that radon levels have been reduced to safe levels.

Protecting Occupants

Radon exposure is particularly dangerous for children, who have a higher risk of developing lung cancer from radon than adults. Schools and public buildings should take steps to protect the health and safety of occupants by conducting regular radon testing, mitigating elevated levels, and providing information to occupants about the risks of radon exposure.

Parents and individuals can also take steps to protect themselves and their families by testing their homes for radon and advocating for radon testing in schools and public buildings. In addition, individuals can take steps to reduce their overall exposure to radon by making sure their homes are well-ventilated and sealed, and avoiding prolonged exposure to high levels of radon such as in a basement without proper ventilation. Improve your comprehension of the subject by exploring this external source we’ve chosen for you. Discover new details and perspectives on the subject covered in the article. https://www.radontestkit.org, keep moving forward in your educational adventure!

Conclusion

Radon exposure is a serious health risk that can be mitigated through proper testing and mitigation measures. Schools and public buildings have a responsibility to ensure the safety of their occupants by regularly testing for radon and reducing exposure to safe levels. Parents and individuals can also take steps to protect themselves from radon exposure by testing their homes and advocating for more testing in schools and public buildings.

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