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Radon exposure is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers and the second leading cause in smokers, so it’s critical to know how to avoid prolonged exposure to it. You can be exposed to radon in just about every corner of Utah, and we’re here to help you understand common locations where people receive the most exposure.
Homes are the most common place people are exposed to radon because people spend a lot of time there and often have bedrooms on the lowest level. Radon is at its highest concentration on the lowest level of the home, which means those who spend a lot of time on that floor are at greatest risk. Additionally, people don’t always move homes frequently, which prolongs the time someone may be exposed to high radon levels if they don’t proactively test.
Second to homes, people spend a lot of time in the workplace and may breathe in concentrated levels of radon if the building hasn’t been tested and mitigated. Workplaces can often fly under the radar because radon testing is most encouraged in homes. However, you should strongly consider testing your workplace if you are a business owner.
Schools are another location that often fly under the radar for radon exposure. Elementary schools may be particularly insidious locations if they have high radon because children have a higher respiratory rate than adults, which means they may breathe in more radon over time. We encourage all parents to request that their child’s school tests for radon.
Radon is deadly, but a terminal diagnosis can be prevented by proactively testing. The U.S. Surgeon General and leading health organizations recommend testing your home for radon every two years. You can click here to request a free test today.
Many people think radon is only an issue in our homes, but did you know kids, teachers, and staff can also be exposed to radon in their schools? When sending your child to school, the last thing on your mind should be exposure to radon gas. However, this may be more common in Utah than you think—nearly 1 in 5 classrooms have dangerous radon levels.
Radon is an odorless, invisible, radioactive gas created when uranium in soil decays. The gas rises from underground and gets trapped inside buildings, and those inside then breathe it in. Prolonged exposure to radon gas over time, such as inside a classroom, can lead to lung cancer and other lung-related diseases. In fact, radon is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers in the United States.
Schools are not immune to high radon gas levels. Because children spend so much time inside their classrooms and daycare centers, they may be at risk if the building has high levels of radon. Additionally, because kids take more breaths per minute than adults, they may take in more radon over time.
The good news is that high radon levels can be reduced! Eleanor Divver, Radon Coordinator with the Utah Department of Environmental Quality, works closely with schools to test their radon levels and protect children in urban and rural areas. Even more, according to The Deseret News, “most [schools with high radon levels] can be remedied by adjusting HVAC systems to increase the airflow.”
We encourage concerned parents to contact their schools and daycares to ask if they have performed a radon test in the last five years or have a radon mitigation system. If they have not tested the building for radon, we encourage you to contact the Utah Department of Environmental Quality.
The lowest level of a home is at greatest risk for high radon levels, and this portion of a home is often where children’s bedrooms reside. If your child has a bedroom in the basement or the lowest inhabitable level of a home, we encourage you to order a free radon test today.
Radon is dangerous, but there are steps you can take to protect your family. Call us at 801-871-0715 or fill out the form here to order your free radon test today!
