Testing At Home and In Schools for Radon
by jmmillerRadon is a naturally occurring gas, but it’s certainly not harmless. It is second only to smoking as the leading cause of lung cancer.
Much like carbon monoxide, radon cannot be detected by sight, smell, or taste. The only way to tell if your child’s home or school environment poses a threat is through proper testing.
Radon enters buildings by seeping through the surrounding soil. It is estimated that 20% of the schools in America have at least one classroom with radon levels above the EPA’s acceptable standard. If you are unsure whether or not your child’s school has been tested for radon, check with the school officials. Testing is fairly inexpensive and should be done in the cooler months of the year.
If they have been tested, ask to see the results; make sure that action has been taken if levels were found to be unacceptable. Your home also needs to be tested for elevated levels of radon, especially if your water is provided by a well.
Your child spends most of their day between school and home. It is crucial to ensure that both places are safe environments for them.
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