Radon Testing for Schools and Childcare Centers
EPA recommends all schools nationwide be tested for radon and reports that nearly one in five schools had at least one schoolroom above the 4 pCi/L action level in a nationwide survey.
Direct answer
Schools and childcare centers should test because radon can enter educational buildings just like homes and commercial properties. EPA recommends that all schools nationwide be tested for radon.
Why this matters
EPA reports that a nationwide survey estimated nearly one in five schools had at least one schoolroom above 4 pCi/L and that more than 70,000 schoolrooms in use today have high short-term radon levels.
How testing is planned
School testing should consider frequently used rooms on and below ground level, building schedules, access, reporting needs, and administrator communication.
Official sources
- EPA: Health Risk of Radon
- EPA: Radon in Schools
- HUD: Addressing Radon in the Environmental Review Process
- Montgomery County Code Sec. 40-13C
Disclaimer: This page is educational and does not replace legal, lender, HUD program, or environmental consultant guidance.