Nearly half of Utah homes have high levels of radon, but most people are unaware that the insidious gas is infiltrating their homes. While it’s common for people with radon-induced diseases to be exposed in their homes, and a majority of the education is around home radon levels, there are many other locations where radon shouldn’t be underestimated, including daycares.
We’re here to help you understand what you need to know about radon in your child’s daycare center.
What is radon?
Radon is a natural gas that causes cancer in thousands of individuals each year. Like many other natural gases, it can’t be detected by our senses, which makes it particularly dangerous.
Radon rises out of the ground after uranium decays, and Utah’s soil is full of uranium all across the state. It doesn’t matter how old or new a building is—radon can still enter through pores, small cracks, and joints in the foundation.
How does radon impact children?
Radon changes the DNA in one’s lungs when it is breathed in at high rates for a prolonged period. Even more, radon impacts children in unique ways. While it can cause lung cancer, attention deficit issues, and other lung diseases in all people, children have a higher respiratory rate than adults, which means they can take in even more radon. Additionally, studies have started to show a connection between radon exposure and childhood leukemia.
Radon testing requirements for Utah daycare centers
Radon causes 21,000 lung cancer deaths per year and is linked to many horrible diseases, yet there is still no requirement for daycare centers to test for it. Other states, including our neighboring state of Colorado, require radon testing as part of their licensure process, and it’s critical for Utah to follow suit.
If you’re not sure if your child’s daycare has been tested for radon, or if you’d simply like to send a reminder to retest every two years, you can copy and paste the template below and send it to your child’s facility.
Hi [DAYCARE NAME OR POINT OF CONTACT NAME]! I’m reaching out to see if your building has been tested for radon in the last two years. I know not everyone knows this because radon testing is not required by law, but nearly 50% of homes in Utah have high radon levels, and it’s just as important to test offices, schools, and daycare centers where people spend a lot of time. Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers and has been connected to childhood leukemia and attention deficit disorders. All Utahns can order a free test at UtahRadon.org to find out their building’s radon level! Radon should be tested every two years, and I, along with other parents, would have peace of mind knowing the building is safe for our kids. Thanks so much!
Final thoughts
Radon is dangerous, but you don’t have to feel completely out of control. By testing and mitigating if necessary, you and your family can stay safe and healthy!
