Imagine dropping your child off at school, unaware that an invisible threat could be lurking in the very air they breathe. Radon, a natural radioactive gas, can go undetected but has serious implications for health and safety, particularly in schools and public buildings where we spend much of our time. Its presence is not discernible by sight, smell, or taste, yet it's the second leading cause of lung cancer.

Across educational institutions, the necessity of creating a safe learning environment extends beyond visible safety measures. What often goes unnoticed is the silent risk posed by radon gas, which may seep unseen into buildings from the ground below, accumulating in spaces where students and staff spend hours each day. The potential health impacts are considerable and warrant a closer examination.

This article will unravel the importance of testing schools and public facilities, explore the health hazards related to exposure to radon, and emphasize why regular monitoring is necessary. It will delve into the various testing methods, offer practical guidelines for implementing radon testing programs, and showcase instances where addressing radon concerns has markedly improved air quality and, by extension, public health.

Key Takeaways:

• Children face a higher risk of radon exposure due to their breathing rates and lung development. Radon is a radioactive gas that settles near the floor, where children spend more time. Their faster breathing rates and developing lungs increase their risk of cancer from radon exposure, making them more vulnerable than adults.
• Testing is the only way to determine if a home or school has high radon levels. Indoor radon levels vary due to building materials, foundation type, and ground contact. The EPA Assessment of Risks from Radon in Homes recommends using radon test kits or professional testing to measure radon gas levels accurately.
• Reducing radon exposure requires mitigation and awareness. A radon management plan should be implemented if dangerous radon levels are detected. Solutions include sealing construction joints, improving ventilation, and installing a radon mitigation system. Schools and childcare centers should also test for radon regularly to protect children’s health.

Radon is a radioactive gas that seeps into homes from the soil and rocks beneath the foundation.

It has no color, smell, or taste, making radon exposure especially dangerous.

Children are more vulnerable because their lungs are still developing, and their faster breathing rates cause them to inhale more concentrations of radon gas than adults.

Exposure to radon gas over time can damage DNA in lung cells, increasing the risk of cancer.

Children exposed to high radon levels may also have a greater chance of developing respiratory infections and lung cancer.

Below, we will explore how to protect children from radon poisoning.