Radon Testing in School: Is It Strongly Required or Should It Be Mandatory?

Imagine a gas you can't see, smell, or taste-that's radon. It forms naturally when uranium breaks down in soil and rocks, and it can quietly enter buildings through cracks in foundations, gaps around pipes, or even the tiniest openings.

Why is this a big deal, especially for kids? Breathing in radon over a long time can damage the lungs and cause problems in children. Children are often more vulnerable because their bodies are still growing, and they breathe more rapidly than adults. Early exposure to radon gas, the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers, may result in a lung cancer diagnosis as early as young adulthood. In fact, according to the LUNGevity Foundation, approximately 2,000 to 4,000 cases of lung cancer are diagnosed each year in people under 45, many of whom have never smoked but may have been exposed to environmental factors like radon.

Schools, particularly older buildings with basements and sealed windows, can act as radon traps. Because students spend so many hours at school, even low radon levels can present a long-term health risk. That’s why radon testing in school isn’t just a good idea — it’s essential.

Is Radon Testing in Schools Required by Law?

Here’s where it gets tricky: there’s no nationwide mandate requiring all schools in the U.S. to test for radon. Instead, the rules vary by state.

• States that require radon testing in schools: New Jersey, Connecticut, and Rhode Island mandate that schools conduct radon testing.

• States that recommend testing: Colorado, Illinois, and Minnesota strongly encourage schools to test, recognizing the health risks and promoting preventive action.

• States with no formal regulations: Some states leave radon testing up to individual school districts or facility managers.

Even if your state doesn’t require radon testing, many schools choose to test voluntarily to protect students and staff.

What Happens If High Radon Levels Are Found in a School?

If a school tests and finds high radon levels, don't panic! There are ways to fix it. This is called "radon mitigation." It's like giving the school a special air-cleaning system. Common mitigation methods include:

• Improving ventilation: Ensuring fresh air can flow freely in and out of the building.

• Sealing cracks: Fixing any gaps or openings in the foundation where radon might be getting in.

• Using special pipes: Installing systems that pull the radon gas from beneath the building and safely release it outside.

After any fixes are made, it’s crucial to test again to confirm that radon levels have decreased. Many schools also continue to monitor radon regularly to ensure the problem remains resolved.

How Parents and School Staff Can Support Radon Testing in Schools

You don't have to wait for someone else to act! Here's what you can do:

• Ask questions: Reach out to your school principal or parent-teacher association (PTA). Find out if the school has tested for radon and ask to see the results.

• Be an advocate: If your school hasn't tested, or if you have concerns about the results, speak up!  Share information with other parents, attend school board meetings, and explain why radon testing is so important for children's health.

• Look for support: Look into grants or special programs that may help schools cover the cost of radon testing and mitigation. Parent-teacher groups and non-profit organizations can also offer support and guidance.

School Safety Starts at Home, Too

While radon testing in school is essential, most radon exposure actually occurs at home. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends testing every home for radon.

Radon levels can fluctuate throughout the day, often peaking at night due to changes in ventilation and temperature. For continuous protection, devices like Ecosense radon monitors provide real-time, 24/7 monitoring — helping families act quickly if levels rise.

For a powerful example of how one person can spark change, consider The Story of Parker Mitchell, a 7th Grader from Sargent Elementary in Monte Vista, Colorado. For his science project, Parker — with the support of Ecosense and the use of an Ecosense radon monitor — tested radon levels in his school and neighboring schools. His project not only provided valuable data to his community but also demonstrated how proactive action, even at a young age, can raise awareness and drive meaningful steps toward safer learning environments.

Final Thoughts: Why Radon Testing in School Should Be the Norm

Children deserve safe, healthy learning environments — and radon testing in school is one of the simplest, most effective ways to protect their health. Whether it’s required in your state or not, proactive testing and continuous monitoring can prevent long-term health risks.

✅ If your school is testing, make sure your home is safe too. Learn more about Ecosense monitors today.