Radon Testing in Ohio Schools

Many individuals have their homes tested for Radon, but it is important to remember that your children spend the majority of their day at school, so it is essential to also ensure their safety during this time.

Breathing in toxic radon gas for eight hours a day could be deadly, so for the safety of your child and the faculty, it is time to take the steps needed to have your child's school tested for high levels of radon gas.

Radon tests, especially in large commercial buildings and schools, must be performed by a licensed professional in order to be accurate. 

Unfortunately, Ohio is one of the states with the highest levels of Radon out of the entire country. 

Therefore, having a professional radon test conducted in your child's school is not just a precautionary measure, but a necessity for their well-being. 

Is Radon a Danger to my Child?

Yes, Radon is a danger to children and adults. 

While your child will not immediately show symptoms, exposure to high levels of Radon over an extended period of time can result in serious health issues later in life.

For example, Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer. Sitting in a classroom for eight hours a day breathing in Radon contaminated air, is somewhat equivalent to your child being addicted to cigarettes while in school. 

In fact, the EPA estimates that 70,000 active school rooms are contaminated with high levels of Radon gas. 

Radon is known to be responsible for at least 21,000 deaths a year and kills more people annually than drunk drivers. 

Therefore, yes, Radon is a danger to your child, and the more you know about this radioactive gas, the faster you can take action. 

Many people do not take the dangers of Radon seriously because it is not widely discussed.

Also, many people find it hard to believe in something they can't hear, smell, see or touch, but just because Radon is a colorless, odorless gas that is undetectable except with professional Radon testing equipment, doesn't mean its existence should be disregarded.

Do not wait to take action, start protecting your child today by getting in touch with the school's superintendent. 

Radon should be taken seriously and be recognized as one of the greatest health risks to children and adults in the United States, especially in Ohio.

How Does Radon Enter Ohio Schools?

Radon enters Ohio schools the same way it enters any other structure, residential or commercial.

Radon comes from depleted uranium and naturally seeps through rocks and soil.

It makes its way into buildings because the air pressure inside a home, school, or office is typically much greater than that of the soil beneath it. 

Therefore, the structure creates a vacuum, sucking in high levels of Radon gas.

This effect, known as pressure differentials, allows the gas to be carried through foundation cracks.

However, even in new construction with no foundational weak spots, radon can be a threat because it penetrates concrete. 

To make matters worse, if the building is well insulated, which most newly built structures are, then the dangers are even greater because it traps the gas inside. This allows a build-up of high-levels of deadly Radon gas with no way for it to seep out.  

Radon is not seen as a threat when outdoors because it is diluted by the air, however, when indoors and in high levels, it can be detrimental to the health of children and adults. 

How are Ohio Schools Tested for Radon?

A school in Ohio would be tested for Radon gas the same way a house or commercial building would be tested. 

A licensed professional would set up a continuous monitoring system in the lowest level of the building or home for at least 48 hours.

They would then examine the top seven possible Radon invasion points within the basement or crawl space.

These seven invasion points include gaps in construction joints, service pipes, suspended flooring, sump pumps, wall cavities, and water supply. 

When the Radon tests are complete, they are sent to a lab to be analyzed for their results. 

When your Radon testing contractor receives the results of the test, he will contact you to further discuss the findings and how to eliminate the problem if necessary. 

What is a Dangerous Level of Radon Gas?

Radon is measured in PicoCuries per Liter.

And while no level of Radon gas is safe, the EPA recommends that any building with a radon level above 2.4 pCi/L be mitigated and the World Health Organization recommends taking action at 2.7 pCi/L. 

How Can I Get My Child's School Tested for Radon?  

Speaking with your school's superintendent is the first step to protecting your child from the dangers of Radon Gas.

We know better than anyone how frustrating it can be feeling helpless in the fight to protect your child from this dangerous gas.

If you want action to be taken, the best option you have as a parent, is educating the board, superintendent, and other parents at your child's school about the dangers of Radon.

If enough people push for this cause, your child's school can get the testing and Radon removal that it may require.

For more information and educational materials about Radon, visit EPA.Gov/Radon or contact Radon Eliminator to learn more. 

In the meantime, if you would like to test your home for Radon, click on the button below to schedule a test today!