A new article from the American Lung Association is urging schools to test for radon to protect students and staff. If this is the first time you’re hearing about radon and how it can impact children, you’re not alone. However, we’re here to make sure you have all the information you need to stay safe and healthy.
What is radon?
Radon is a radioactive natural gas that is found all across Utah. It is created as uranium breaks down in the ground, and it can rise into homes and concentrate in the air we breathe. While there is no completely safe level of radon exposure, there are levels of radon that become incredibly dangerous to be exposed to. In fact, radon exposure is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers and has been linked to childhood leukemia, attention deficit issues, and more.
Children also face unique issues when it comes to radon exposure. Their respiratory rate (the number of breaths someone takes per minute) is faster than an adult’s, which means they may take in more radon than adults. Additionally, children often have bedrooms and playrooms on the main floor or basement of a home, which is where radon can concentrate the most.
Where is radon found in Utah?
All areas of Utah have radon, but some areas have more than others. No matter where you live in the state, it’s important to know about 50% of homes have high radon levels, and just because your neighbor’s home has a low radon level doesn’t mean yours will be, too. Americans spend about 90% of their time indoors, which means elevated radon levels should not be neglected.
Your home isn’t the only place where you need to be concerned about radon. Kids spend around 1,000 hours per year in school, but most schools, especially in Utah, do not test for radon. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates 70,000 classrooms have high radon levels today. “Every child deserves a healthy place to learn, and every educator deserves a healthy place to work,” said Harold Wimmer, President and CEO of the American Lung Association.
What you can do today
If you have not tested your home for radon in the last two years, you should do so immediately. All Utahns can get a free radon test delivered to their home from UtahRadon.org by filling out this form. Additionally, we encourage you to reach out to your child’s school to let them know about the dangers of radon and how you would like the building to be tested. Weber School District recently implemented biannual radon testing because a mother in the community reached out with concerns about their kids being exposed to radon at school. You may not think that you can have a large impact as one person, but that’s simply not true. It only takes one person spreading the word about radon to potentially save a life.
