Chances are you've already heard of radon - a radioactive gas that can cause lung cancer.
But what you might not have heard is that high levels have been found in a number of schools across the country. Therefore, it is important that students, teachers and parents be aware that a potential problem could exist in their school.
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 70,000 schoolrooms in use today have high short-term radon levels.
The only way to determine if a problem exists is to test for it. Having your school tested for radon is something you may want to discuss with your school officials. Because as real as the threat of radon is, the good news is that the problem can be solved.
EPA's national survey of schools produced some alarming results about concentrations in our children's classrooms. Public awareness must be raised about the hazards of radon to hasten efforts to reduce the danger. All schools must be tested to determine if there is a problem, and schools must inform parents of the results. We cannot ignore this problem."
Kathryn Whitfill, National PTA President.
Ms. Bella explains Radon. Radon is colorless, odorless, and tasteless. It kills people. The only way you know if your family has been exposed to dangerous levels of Radon gas is to conduct a test. She urges you to call her daddy (Mike Stansbury of Belson Construction) today!
Radon Could Be a Serious Threat to Your School
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