When we think about creating a safe environment for students and teachers, we often focus on visible safety issues—clean classrooms, secure entrances, and fire drills. But there’s one invisible threat that too often goes unaddressed: radon gas.
Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. and the #1 cause of lung cancer in non-smokers, and it’s completely odorless and invisible. It can seep into schools through foundations and accumulate to dangerous levels—especially in classrooms at or below ground level. The only way to know it’s there? Testing.
Let’s take a closer look at why radon mitigation in schools is critical, how testing works, and what steps can be taken to create safer learning environments for students and faculty.
🎓 Why Schools Are at Risk for Radon Exposure
Radon comes from the natural breakdown of uranium in soil and rock. It rises into buildings through foundation cracks, joints, and other openings. Schools are especially at risk because:
- Many have classrooms, libraries, or offices at or below ground level
- Buildings are often sealed tightly during winter months, allowing radon to build up
- Ventilation systems may be outdated or not designed to deal with radon
- Many schools are located in high-radon zones and have never been tested
Children are more vulnerable to environmental hazards than adults, and they spend an average of 6–8 hours a day in school buildings. Prolonged exposure to radon can increase their lifetime risk of developing lung cancer.
🧪 Radon Testing in Schools: What’s Involved
Testing in schools follows EPA, state, and industry guidelines, and should be done by certified radon professionals. Here’s how it works:
- Initial Consultation – Identify at-risk areas (usually rooms on the lowest level of the building in contact with the ground).
- Short-Term Testing – Typically conducted during the school year while HVAC systems are in normal operation.
- Analysis & Reporting – Test results are reviewed and reported to school administrators and facility managers.
- Action Planning – If levels are at or above 4.0 pCi/L, mitigation is recommended.
Some schools qualify for grant funding or state-supported testing programs, depending on location.
🛠️ How Radon Mitigation Works in Schools
Mitigating radon in schools is similar to mitigation in other commercial buildings, but on a larger, more customized scale. Solutions may include:
- Sub-slab depressurization systems: These systems use fans and pipes to actively draw radon from beneath the building and vent it above the roofline.
- Sealing cracks and openings: Helps prevent radon entry (used in combination with other methods).
- Ventilation improvements: Upgrading HVAC or using heat recovery ventilation (HRV) systems to increase air exchange and reduce radon concentrations.
- Ongoing monitoring and maintenance: Ensures long-term effectiveness and keeps radon levels in check.
Mitigation can often be done with minimal disruption to school operations, especially when scheduled during breaks or off-hours.
🏛️ Legal Requirements and Guidelines
While the EPA recommends radon testing in schools, not all states mandate it—yet. However, several states have already enacted laws requiring:
- Testing in all public schools
- Testing during new construction or major renovations
- Disclosure of radon levels to parents and staff
Even if not required in your state, proactive testing and mitigation demonstrate a strong commitment to student and staff health. And more states are currently in the process of implementing radon testing and mitigation requirements.
✅ Why Choose SWAT Environmental for School Mitigation?
SWAT Environmental specializes in large-scale, multi-building radon mitigation projects, and we’ve worked with school districts across the country to implement testing and mitigation strategies that meet EPA, state, and industry standards.
What we offer:
- Certified radon testing, diagnostics, and reporting
- Custom mitigation design for school layouts
- Certified, experienced crews with minimal disruption to school schedules
- Post-mitigation testing and documentation for compliance
📞 Create a Healthier School Environment Today
Radon is a silent threat—but it’s one that schools can manage with the right support. Whether you’re looking to test a single building or implement a district-wide radon testing and mitigation plan, we’re here to help.
👉 Contact SWAT Environmental to schedule a consultation or request a quote for radon testing and mitigation in your school or district.