Fact Sheet                                                                      Connecticut Department of Public Health

September 2006                                                                                                                                     Environmental Health Section

Radon Program

(860) 509-7367

www.dph.state.ct.us

RADON IN SCHOOLS

A Tools for Schools Team Approach

What You Should Know  

  Radon is:

  • A radioactive gas

  • Odorless, tasteless, invisible

  • Naturally-occurring

  • The leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers

 

  All public schools must…test for radon by January 2008.

Connecticut General Statute 10-220 (d)

 

Communication

  Radon testing is only possible with the cooperation of students and staff. Communication is

  key and we need your help.

  • Refer administrators to qualified professionals to conduct radon testing and mitigation

  • Assist administrators in communicating with staff, students and parents before scheduled testing

    • Distribute the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) “Radon in Schools” pamphlet

  • Openly communicate radon test results with staff and students, after testing is complete

  • Let staff and parents know that confirmed high levels of radon can, and will be reduced

 

What to Expect 

  Radon professionals must test for radon:

1.      During the winter months while school is in session

2.      During weekdays with the HVAC system running normally

3.      In all occupied rooms in contact with the ground (usually ground level and lower)

-  Classrooms, offices, gymnasiums, laboratories, cafeterias

4.      Using one test device for every 2,000 square feet in larger rooms

5.       Under closed conditions (all windows shut) 12 hours prior and throughout the 48 hour minimum testing period

 

Interpreting Radon Results

  Low results are below 4.0 picocuries per liter (pCi/L).

  • Notify staff and parents in a brief summary no later than 1 month after results have been received

 

  High results are at or above 4.0 pCi/L.

  • Follow-up testing will be needed in the rooms with the high results

  • If the average of the initial and necessary follow-up testing is at or above 4.0 pCi/L, hire a radon professional to reduce the radon by installing a radon mitigation system

  • Notify staff and parents in a brief summary no later than 1 month after results have been received and include the proposed plan to reduce the high levels of radon

 

For more information,

Call the Radon Program at 860-509-7367