Elevated Radon Levels Detected at Air Force Base Daycare Center

Recently, a number of media outlets reported on elevated radon levels that were discovered last year in several rooms at a daycare center at an Air Force base in Missouri. The case was covered by the national news because the findings were overlooked and it took a year before any action was taken to mitigate radon exposure risks for the children and daycare employees.

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is released in rock, soil and water. In homes and buildings, it can accumulate to dangerous levels as it moves up through the ground to the indoor air through cracks and other holes in the foundation. In some situations, radon can also enter through well water.

“It’s important to know the radon levels where people spend a considerable amount of time indoors because when building occupants breathe in radon, radioactive particles from it can get trapped in the lungs,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reports that radon is the leading cause of lung cancer deaths among nonsmokers in America, claiming the lives of about 21,000 Americans each year. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention even warns that 1 in 15 homes in this country have high radon levels.”

Exposure to radon is a preventable health risk and testing radon levels in homes, daycare centers, schools and other buildings can help prevent unnecessary exposure. If elevated radon levels are detected, there are steps that can be taken to address the problem. To help identify these exposure risks, EMSL Analytical provides affordable laboratory testing solutions and easy-to-use test kits.

To learn more about radon or other indoor environmental quality (IEQ), occupational, health and safety testing services, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com . To access radon and other IEQ test kits, visit www.EMSLTestKits.com.


About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP 797, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOCs, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) 856-303-2503

Contact via E-mail