Healthy Schools: Radon Information
MESD Radon Plan
In the summer of 2016, in preparation for our fall monitoring activities, MESD sampled each of our owned and leased buildings with the HVAC systems turned off and the HVAC systems turned on. The results of the tests showed that when the HVAC systems are on the radon levels are well below the action level of 4 picoCuries per liter (piC/L). MESD contracted with Cascade Radon for follow up testing. Cascade Radon confirmed that the HVAC systems keep radon levels below 4 piC/L action level.
For more information about MESDs Radon testing methodology and results please visit the radon testing results page.
In the summer of 2016, in preparation for our fall monitoring activities, MESD sampled each of our owned and leased buildings with the HVAC systems turned off and the HVAC systems turned on. The results of the tests showed that when the HVAC systems are on the radon levels are well below the action level of 4 picoCuries per liter (piC/L). MESD contracted with Cascade Radon for follow up testing. Cascade Radon confirmed that the HVAC systems keep radon levels below 4 piC/L action level.
For more information about MESDs Radon testing methodology and results please visit the radon testing results page.
FAQs
Q1. Why are Oregon Schools testing for Radon?
According to the Oregon Health Authority, the EPA began investigating radon in schools across the country in 1988. The initial studies show that there were elevated levels of radon in schools in every state. In 2015, in an effort to better understand radon levels in Oregon schools, Oregon enacted a law requiring OHA to:
A) Disseminate information on radon and the dangers of radon to school districts, and
B) To develop processes and model plans - using national standards – for schools to use to test for elevated levels.
Beginning this fall, all school districts in Oregon will be monitoring and reporting radon data to the Oregon Health Authority to increase understanding about radon levels.
Radon is also a concern for homes throughout our region for further information about radon and home testing please see http://public.health.oregon.gov/HealthyEnvironments/HealthyNeighborhoods/RadonGas/Pages/index.aspx
Q2. What is Radon?
Radon occurs naturally in rocks, soil and water. Radon gas moves up through the soil and can be drawn into homes and buildings by slight pressure differences.
Q3. Does Radon have health impacts?
According to the OHA, radon can cause lung cancer and is thought to cause 13% of all lung cancer deaths. Breathing radon does not cause any short-term human health symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing, headaches or fever. Children (who have higher respiration rates than adults) have been reported to have greater risk than adults for certain types of cancer from radiation. However, no conclusive data exists at this time on whether children are at greater risk than adults from radon. For more information about the health impacts of radon please visit the OHA Frequently Asked Questions page at https://public.health.oregon.gov/HealthyEnvironments/HealthyNeighborhoods/RadonGas/Pages/index.aspx#dangerous or speak with your healthcare provider.
Q4. How is MESD addressing radon levels in buildings it leases or owns?
MESD follows the OHA guidelines for monitoring and mitigating radon in the buildings that we own or lease. The monitoring guidelines call for air samples to be taken in mid to late fall with the HVAC system on and the building occupied with students and staff. The OHA action level for samples is 4 pCi/L.
Q5. Are there special guidelines for students we serve with special needs, chronic conditions or who are medically fragile?
We are also consulting regularly with OHA to ensure the safety of the students we serve. Specifically, we have asked OHA for any guidance related to radon and students with special needs, chronic conditions or who are medically fragile. According to the OHA there is no specific guidance on radon for these populations.
Radon is also a concern for homes throughout our region for further information about radon and home testing please see http://public.health.oregon.gov/HealthyEnvironments/HealthyNeighborhoods/RadonGas/Pages/index.aspx
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