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Is Your Child Being Exposed to Radon at School?

Mon, 5 Mar 2012 12:26:34 EST

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that 70,000 schools nationwide are at risk for high levels of radon, a toxic gas that claims more than 20,000 lives every year. Yet the TODAY show's investigative report on the issue found that the overwhelming majority of schools do not test for radon, citing the expense of mitigation and the headache caused by concerned parents if high levels were detected.
 
Only five states mandate radon testing in schools, and no federal law requires it. Experts say that school districts cannot afford it, according to TODAY's report. Unfortunately, the EPA is cutting all of its radon program's funding—which helped school districts pay for testing in the past.
 
Radon is a colorless, tasteless, odorless radioactive gas known to be a carcinogen (a cancer-causing substance). Inhalation of radon gas is the number one cause of lung cancer among non-smokers.
 
Radon is produced by the breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water. Air pressure inside of buildings is usually lower than the pressure in the soil around buildings' foundation. Because of this difference in pressure, buildings act like vacuums, drawing in radon through the foundation cracks and other openings. The gas becomes trapped inside and accumulates over time. Any building may have a radon problem—both new and old ones, well-sealed and drafty ones, and those with or without basements.
 
'Radon is deadly, but many people are unaware that their homes and schools may be harming their families,' states Garrett Ray, Radiological Laboratory Manager at EMSL Analytical. 'EMSL provides radon test kits and analysis to homeowners, schools, companies, and government agencies, helping begin the removal process.'
 
For more information on EMSL's testing services, please contact EMSL at (800) 220-3675, visit www.EMSL.com or www.RadonTestingLab.com.  
 
About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider of environmental, consumer product, industrial hygiene, food, and materials testing services to professionals and the general public. In addition, the company offers a large variety of air sampling equipment, sampling cassettes, and monitoring equipment. The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations, as well as state and federal regulating bodies. Please visit our website for a complete listing of accreditations.