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.
The EPA ranks indoor radon among the most serious environmental health problems facing us today. After smoking, it is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States causing an estimated twenty one thousand (21,000) lung cancer deaths a year.
Radon is a naturally occurring gas that seeps into buildings from the surrounding soil. In some cases, well water may be a source of radon.
You can't see, taste, or smell radon. In fact, the only way to discover if high levels of radon are present is through testing.
All students have the right to expect a safe and healthy environment. Teachers and other school employees should encourage their schools to conduct radon tests and undertake all necessary corrective actions. The health of our children demands no less. Keith Geiger, NEA President.
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Radon gas decays into radioactive particles that can get trapped in your lungs when you breathe.
As these particles break down, they release small bursts of energy. This can damage lung tissue and lead to lung cancer over the course of your lifetime. An individual's risk of getting lung cancer from radon depends mostly on three factors: the level of radon, the duration of exposure and their smoking habits.
EPA recommends that all schools nationwide be tested for radon. To date, approximately 20% of the schools nationwide have done some testing. Some states have tested all their public schools.
How are schools tested for radon?
Testing for radon is simple and relatively inexpensive. EPA has published guidance that is available free to schools. throughout the country.
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The basic elements of testing are:
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Testing and Mitigation Standards for Schools
Copies of the following Radon Standards of Practice may be purchased from American Association of Radon Scientist and Technologists book store, or from the American National Standards Institute store.
... continued from pg 11 (Radon In Schools )
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