Radon Mitigation in Schools and Workplaces: Are You Safe Outside Your Home?

Key Takeaways:

• Radon exposure isn’t just a residential issue—it also threatens schools and workplaces in St. Louis and surrounding areas, where untested buildings can unknowingly endanger the health of students and employees.
  
• Radon is a naturally occurring, invisible gas that causes approximately 21,000 lung cancer deaths annually in the U.S., making testing essential in both homes and public buildings, especially in high-risk areas like Missouri and Illinois.
  
• Geographical location, building structure, and ventilation systems greatly affect radon levels—regions like the Metro East in Illinois and central Missouri are classified by the EPA as Zone 1, meaning they face the highest potential for radon exposure.
  
• Children and school staff are especially vulnerable to radon, prompting the American Lung Association and the EPA to strongly recommend radon testing in schools to detect risks early and enable timely mitigation.
  
• Workplaces with basements, older infrastructure, or poor airflow are prone to radon buildup, and employers must address this threat through regular testing and mitigation to avoid liability, health consequences, and productivity loss.
  
• Air Sense Environmental offers certified radon testing and mitigation solutions, including sub-slab depressurization, crawl space encapsulation, and ventilation improvements across the Greater St. Louis and Metro East regions, helping schools and businesses create safer indoor environments.

Are our schools and workplaces safe from radon exposure? The answer is not always clear-cut. Many people think of radon as primarily a concern in residential settings, but this invisible, odorless gas can infiltrate schools and offices as well. While many institutions prioritize health and safety, radon can often be overlooked, leaving students and employees vulnerable to its harmful effects. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has highlighted that radon is a significant public health risk, contributing to thousands of lung cancer deaths annually in the United States. Being aware of how radon can affect these environments is essential for protecting the health of both students and staff. At Air Sense Environmental – Radon Mitigation & Testing, we recognize the importance of ensuring safe indoor air quality not just in homes but in schools and workplaces across St. Louis and the surrounding regions. 

Regular testing and effective radon mitigation strategies are key to creating a safe learning and working environment. By staying informed and taking proactive measures, communities can safeguard public health and foster a secure atmosphere for education and productivity. Addressing the potential risks of radon in non-residential buildings is a vital step that everyone should prioritize.

Radon Exposure: The Hidden Danger Lurking Indoors

Radon is an invisible, odorless, and tasteless gas formed naturally from the breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water. It is a silent intruder that could be lurking in your home without a trace. You won’t see it, smell it, or taste it—but it could be putting your health at risk. It is the second leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers and is linked to around 21,000 deaths in the U.S. each year (Source). Without proper testing, this dangerous gas can quietly build up indoors, turning a safe home into a hidden health hazard.

Because radon can seep into buildings from the ground, it’s essential to understand its presence in schools and workplaces, not just residential properties. Levels of radon can vary based on geographical location, building structure, and ventilation.

• Geographical Location: Areas with uranium-rich soils and rock formations tend to have higher radon emissions. In Missouri, especially in the central and southern parts—including the St. Louis region—elevated radon levels are common due to the presence of limestone and dolomite bedrock. Similarly, Illinois, particularly in the southern and western regions near Edwardsville and the Metro East area, has been classified by the U.S. EPA as a Zone 1 area, indicating the highest potential for radon exposure. Both states have multiple counties where homes are at risk of exceeding the recommended radon action level.
  
• Building Structure: The design and construction materials of a building can influence radon accumulation. Buildings with basements or those built directly on soil are more susceptible to radon infiltration. Cracks in foundations, gaps around pipes, and construction joints can serve as entry points for radon gas.
  
• Ventilation: Proper ventilation plays a critical role in mitigating radon levels. Buildings with inadequate ventilation can trap radon gas, leading to higher indoor concentrations. Conversely, well-ventilated spaces allow radon to disperse, reducing its accumulation.

Knowing these factors is essential for analyzing radon risks and implementing effective mitigation strategies.

Protecting Our Children: Why Radon Testing in Schools Matters

Children breathe more rapidly than adults, and their lungs are still developing, making them especially vulnerable to environmental hazards—radon included. This invisible, odorless gas can seep into classrooms undetected, quietly putting young lungs at risk. The American Lung Association stresses the need for radon testing in schools, reminding us that students and staff spend hours every day inside these buildings. When radon levels go unchecked, it isn’t just the air that’s compromised—it’s their health.

The Importance of Testing: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) strongly recommends radon testing in all schools, especially those located in regions with known radon presence. Raising awareness and taking preventive action isn’t just a recommendation—it’s a responsibility. Testing now could mean a safer, healthier future for every child and teacher in the classroom.

Common Sources of Radon in Schools

• Foundation Cracks: Radon can easily enter through cracks in a school’s foundation or slab.
  
• Construction Materials: Some building materials may contribute to radon levels, depending on the geology of the area.
  
• Poor Ventilation: Schools with inadequate ventilation systems can trap radon inside, raising exposure levels.

Workplace Safety: Addressing Radon for Employee Protection

Radon exposure in workplaces is another critical concern. Employees may spend 40 hours or more in their work environment each week, where they can be subjected to elevated radon levels. This poses a significant risk, especially in enclosed spaces like basements, underground offices, or buildings constructed in radon-prone areas.

The Cost of Inaction: Employers have a responsibility to maintain a safe workplace. Failing to address radon exposure can lead to health problems, loss of productivity, and potential liability issues. Regular testing and radon mitigation strategies can prevent these issues from arising.

Common Sources of Radon in Workplaces

• Basements and Below-Grade Spaces: Similar to schools, workplaces with basements are more susceptible to radon entry.
  
• Older Buildings: Workplaces in older structures may have foundational cracks or porous building materials that allow radon to infiltrate.
  
• Insufficient Airflow: Poor air circulation in the workplace can exacerbate radon levels, allowing the gas to accumulate.

Air Quality Assurance: The Role of Radon Testing in Community Spaces

Regular radon testing in schools and workplaces is critical for health and safety. Here’s why:

• Health Awareness: Radon testing plays a vital role in increasing public awareness about the hidden dangers of radon gas. Because radon is colorless and odorless, many people are unaware of its presence or potential harm. Regular testing educates building occupants, staff, and parents—helping them understand the serious health risks associated with long-term exposure, such as lung cancer, and empowering them to advocate for safer environments.
  
• Mitigation Before Problems Arise: Detecting elevated radon levels through early testing allows schools and workplaces to take corrective action before health problems develop. This proactive approach helps prevent prolonged exposure, reducing the risk of respiratory complications and potential long-term illnesses. Timely mitigation can make a lasting difference in air quality and overall well-being.
  
• Compliance with Regulations: Many states, including Illinois and Missouri, have guidelines or mandates requiring routine air quality and radon testing in schools, workplaces, and residential buildings. By conducting regular tests, institutions not only meet legal requirements but also demonstrate their commitment to creating safe and healthy environments. Staying in compliance also reduces the risk of penalties and helps build public trust in facility management.

How to Conduct Radon Testing

Schools and workplaces can use both short-term and long-term radon testing kits to assess indoor radon levels effectively.

• Short-Term Test Kits: These can provide results within a few days and are suitable for initial screenings.
  
• Long-Term Test Kits: These measure radon levels over 90 days, giving a more accurate representation of exposure.
  
• Professional Testing: Hiring a trusted professional service like Air Sense Environmental can deliver accurate results and provide reliable recommendations on radon remediation.

Reducing Exposure: Effective Radon Mitigation Strategies for Schools and Workplaces

If testing indicates that radon levels exceed acceptable limits, immediate action is needed. Here are common radon mitigation strategies:

• Sub-Slab Depressurization: This method involves installing a system of pipes and a fan below the building that draws radon gas from under the foundation and vents it safely outside.
  
• Crawl Space Encapsulation: Crawl spaces can be sealed using heavy-duty plastic sheeting to block moisture and radon infiltration. This prevents radon gas from entering the indoor environment.
  
• Ventilation Improvements: Improving the ventilation system in schools and workplaces can help dilute indoor pollutants, including radon. Installing exhaust fans and ensuring fresh air circulation is essential.

Investment: Breaking Down the Cost of a Radon Mitigation System

The cost of a radon mitigation system can range widely based on factors such as:

• Building Size and Layout: Larger structures may require more extensive systems, increasing costs.
  
• Existing Infrastructure: Buildings that already have some ventilation or plumbing can see reduced installation costs.
  
• Geographical Location: Local labor rates and market conditions will influence the overall pricing.
  

On average, mitigation systems can cost between $800 and $2,500. This investment not only protects health but can also safeguard property value.

Community Responsibility: Reducing Radon Risks for Lifelong Health and Safety

Addressing radon exposure is not just an individual concern. It affects entire communities. Schools and workplaces play significant roles in shaping health outcomes for future generations. By prioritizing radon testing and mitigation, community leaders, educators, and employers can:

• Protect Public Health: Testing for radon helps create safer, healthier environments for children, teachers, and staff. Since prolonged exposure to radon is a known cause of lung cancer, identifying and addressing radon levels in public buildings—especially schools and daycare centers—is a direct way to protect the well-being of those most vulnerable in our communities.
  
• Reduce Long-Term Costs: Health problems related to radon exposure can lead to significant medical expenses over time. By investing in testing and mitigation now, schools and public facilities can avoid the far greater financial burden of treating long-term illnesses. This preventative approach not only safeguards lives but also conserves healthcare resources for the future.
  
• Raise Awareness: Radon testing efforts often lead to broader community awareness. Through outreach programs, educational campaigns, and local initiatives, communities can spread knowledge about radon risks and promote action. The more people understand the importance of testing, the more proactive steps can be taken to protect homes, schools, and workplaces across the region.

Partnering with Air Sense Environmental: Expert Radon Solutions for Safer Indoor Spaces

At Air Sense Environmental, we are committed to protecting your family and community from the dangers of radon exposure. Our radon mitigation services in St. Louis are designed to assess, remediate, and keep your indoor environment safe. We provide:

• Extensive Radon Testing: To accurately assess air quality in schools and workplaces.
  
• Effective Mitigation Solutions: Tailored strategies to reduce radon levels and improve indoor air quality.
  
• Community Education: We engage with schools and local businesses to raise awareness about radon and its risks.

Get Started Today

Radon isn’t just a threat in your home—it can also compromise safety in schools, offices, and other community spaces. If you’re concerned about radon exposure or would like to schedule a radon test, contact Air Sense Environmental in Edwardsville, IL, today at (618) 593-4815 or [email protected].