The Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) has updated its schedule for testing radon in indoor air. Initial testing was performed in the 1990’s and follow-up testing has been conducted periodically for newly constructed schools, additions, and major renovations. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has guidance for testing for radon in school buildings, however there are no federal, state, or local regulations requiring it at this time.
To more closely align with best practices, HCPSS will conduct sampling in each occupied school building on a ten-year rotational basis. Additionally, radon testing will still occur for new construction, additions, major renovations, and major Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) renovations upon completion of the project. Details about the testing schedule, procedures, and other information are provided in the Frequently Asked Questions.
HCPSS Contact
John Farmer, Coordinator of Environmental Services, in the HCPSS Office of the Environment
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Radon?
Radon is a naturally occurring gas that comes from the natural breakdown of uranium which can be found in soil and rock throughout the United States (EPA). Radon can enter structures through the foundation and accumulate to much higher concentrations.
Radon concentrations in outdoor air average about 0.4 pico curries per liter (pCi/L).
What is the action level?
The EPA recommends reducing the concentration of radon in the air within a school building to below the EPA’s radon action level of 4 pCi/L.
Which rooms will be tested?
Frequently occupied rooms in contact with the ground such as classrooms, offices, health suites, media centers, cafeterias, and gymnasiums will be tested.
Areas not frequently occupied such as storage closets, custodial closets, and bathrooms will not be tested. Portable classrooms will also not be tested as the units are not in contact with the ground.
What happens if initial testing is above the action level?
Following EPA guidance, if an initial short-term test exceeds the action level, the room will be retested prior to making a mitigation decision.
When will my child’s school be tested?
HCPSS will sample radon in each school every ten years. Additionally, radon testing will still occur for new construction, additions, major renovations, and major Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) renovations once the project is complete.
How will I be notified if radon is detected above the action level at my child’s school?
Should any test indicate radon levels at 4 pico curries (or greater), HCPSS would notify staff and the community. A second notification would be issued after all remedial actions are complete and have been confirmed through follow-up sampling.
Where can I find reports of the results of radon testing for my school?
All test results will be accessible on the school website after the report is received.
Where can I find out more about radon?
More information regarding radon can be found on the EPA’s Radon FAQ webpage.