EPA Estimates that 1 in 5 Schools Have Elevated Radon Levels

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the danger of elevated radon levels is a serious threat.  In fact, the agency reported, “A nationwide survey of radon levels in schools estimates that nearly one in five has at least one schoolroom with a short-term radon level above the action level of 4 pCi/L (picoCuries per liter) - the level at which EPA recommends that schools take action to reduce the level. EPA estimates that more than seventy thousand (70,000) schoolrooms in use today have high short-term radon levels.”
 
Taking note of this fact, two television stations recently reported about radon levels in schools. Last month, NBC’s Channel 5 in Chicago published a report about a pilot radon testing program started in Illinois back in January. So far only a little more than 40 schools have applied for testing, but roughly 70% of those have been found with elevated levels of radon. KWQC News 6 in Iowa also broadcast a report last month about radon in schools in that state. It reported that schools in Iowa are not required to test for radon, but that preschools are mandated to be tested every two years. 
 
Radon comes from the natural breakdown of uranium in soil, rock and water. The gas can move up through the ground and into buildings through cracks, sumps and other holes in a building’s foundation or slab.
 
Radon is a radioactive gas that is known to cause cancer. The Surgeon General has warned that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States today. It is believed to claim the lives of about 20,000 Americans each year. “Fortunately, testing for radon is a fairly simple process,” reported Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President, Marketing at EMSL Analytical, one of the leading radon testing laboratories in North America. “If elevated levels are found there are procedures that can be implemented to lower radon levels to make them safe for people to occupy.”
 
EMSL Analytical has a website dedicated to providing radon information which can be seen at www.RadonTestingLab.com.  EMSL has also sponsored a public outreach video about radon that can be viewed at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6yOMtXafNwM
 
To learn more about testing for radon, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800)220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com.
 
About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider of environmental and materials testing services and products to professionals and the general public. The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies. 

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior VP of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) 1-800-220-3675

jfrasca@emsl.com