Is Your Child’s School Doing Enough to Prevent Radon Exposure?
As parents, we do everything we can to keep our children safe. We choose the best schools, make sure they eat healthy meals, and ensure they’re bundled up in winter. But there’s one hidden danger in schools that often goes unnoticed: radon. While many Canadian parents might not realize it, radon exposure in schools is a real concern that could be affecting your child’s health. So, how do you know if your child’s school is doing enough to keep radon levels in check? Let’s talk about what you need to know about radon, why it’s a problem in schools, and how you can take action to ensure a safe learning environment for your kids.
What is Radon and Why Should You Be Concerned?
Understanding Radon
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that forms when uranium in soil, rock, and water breaks down. It seeps into buildings through cracks in the foundation, gaps around pipes, and other openings. Because radon is odorless, colorless, and tasteless, the only way to know if it’s present is through testing. Unfortunately, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in Canada, right after smoking, according to Health Canada. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) emphasizes that for non-smokers, radon is the number one cause of lung cancer. In fact, radon exposure is estimated to be the cause of 16% of all lung cancers (Canadian Lung Association).
For those who are interested, here's a quick tool we've created to compare your indoor radon levels to an estimated number of cigarettes smoked.
Why Schools Are at Risk
Schools are particularly vulnerable to radon exposure due to their size, construction, and use of basements or ground-level rooms where radon tends to accumulate. Older schools, which are common in many Canadian communities, are especially at risk because they often have cracks in the foundation or outdated ventilation systems. Even newer schools can have radon problems, as it depends more on the building’s location and the surrounding soil than the building’s age.
Radon Regulations and Guidelines for Schools in Canada
Current Canadian Regulations
In Canada, radon testing in schools is recommended but not always mandatory. Health Canada advises that all schools be tested for radon, but only a few provinces have specific regulations requiring schools to conduct testing and take action if levels are high. For instance, Quebec mandates radon testing in schools, while in other provinces like Alberta and Ontario, it’s up to individual school boards to decide whether to test.
Gaps in Regulations
The biggest issue is that, without mandatory testing across all provinces, many schools may not be aware of their radon levels, or they may not prioritize testing due to budget constraints. This patchwork approach leaves many children at risk. Even when testing does occur, there’s often no requirement for schools to share results with parents, leaving you in the dark about potential radon exposure.
Case Studies of Canadian Schools with High Radon Levels
There have been several instances where Canadian schools found dangerously high radon levels. For example, in 2018, a school in Prince Edward Island discovered radon levels five times higher than the Canadian guideline of 200 becquerels per cubic meter (Bq/m³). After testing, they had to quickly implement mitigation measures to reduce radon levels and protect students and staff. Stories like this highlight the importance of proactive testing and mitigation in schools.
How Radon Testing in Schools Works in Canada
Types of Radon Tests Used in Schools
Schools typically use either short-term or long-term radon tests to assess radon levels. Short-term tests, which last between 2 and 7 days, can provide a quick snapshot of radon levels but may not capture long-term exposure accurately. Long-term tests, lasting 90 days or more, are recommended by Health Canada because they provide a more comprehensive picture of radon levels over time, accounting for fluctuations in weather and ventilation.
Frequency of Testing
Health Canada recommends that schools test for radon every five years or after major renovations. However, without mandatory regulations, many schools may not follow these guidelines, potentially leaving students exposed to high radon levels for years.
Who Conducts the Tests?
Testing should be conducted by certified radon professionals who follow established protocols to ensure accuracy. You can find certified radon professionals in your area through resources like the Canadian National Radon Proficiency Program (C-NRPP). Some schools may opt for staff-led testing, but it’s crucial that they use proper testing devices and follow guidelines to avoid inaccurate results.
Radon Mitigation Strategies for Schools
Common Mitigation Techniques in Schools
When high radon levels are detected, mitigation is necessary to bring them down to safe levels. The most common technique is sub-slab depressurization, which involves installing a system of pipes and fans that draw radon out from beneath the building and vent it safely outside. Other methods include improving ventilation in classrooms and sealing cracks in the foundation and walls where radon can enter.
The Importance of Professional Mitigation
Mitigating radon in a school setting is not a DIY job. It requires professional expertise to ensure that systems are properly designed and installed. Certified radon professionals can provide tailored solutions based on the specific needs of each school, ensuring that radon levels are effectively reduced. Improper installation can lead to ineffective results, wasting both time and money while leaving students at risk.
Maintaining Mitigation Systems
Once a mitigation system is in place, it’s essential for schools to conduct regular maintenance and follow-up testing. Mitigation systems need periodic checks to ensure they’re working correctly and maintaining safe radon levels. Schools should schedule annual inspections and re-test every five years to ensure ongoing safety.
What Canadian Parents Can Do to Ensure School Safety
Questions to Ask Your Child’s School
As a concerned parent, it’s important to be proactive about radon safety. Here are some questions you can ask your child’s school:
Has the school been tested for radon? If so, when was the last test conducted?
What were the radon levels found in the school?
What steps has the school taken to mitigate high radon levels?
Who conducted the testing, and were they certified radon professionals?
How often does the school plan to re-test for radon?
These questions will help you gauge whether the school is taking radon seriously and if they’re following Health Canada’s guidelines.
Advocating for Radon Testing in Canadian Schools
If you find that your child’s school hasn’t tested for radon, consider advocating for it. Attend parent council meetings, raise the issue with school administrators, and even write to your school board. You can also join forces with other parents to push for radon testing and mitigation funding. The more voices calling for action, the more likely it is that schools will prioritize radon safety.
How to Access Radon Test Results in Canada
Some provinces, like Quebec, have public databases where you can access radon test results for schools. If this isn’t available in your province, you can request the information directly from your child’s school or school board. Be prepared to interpret the results, as they’ll often be given in Bq/m³, with anything above 200 Bq/m³ requiring action.
The Role of Schools in Radon Education in Canada
Educating Staff and Students
Education is key to radon awareness. Schools should not only test and mitigate radon but also educate staff, students, and parents about its risks. Training staff on the importance of radon and the steps being taken can foster a safer environment and increase support for ongoing efforts.
Integrating Radon Awareness into School Curriculum
Incorporating radon education into the school curriculum, especially in science and health classes, can help students understand this invisible threat. For example, schools could include lessons on air quality, the science behind radon, and simple steps students can take to protect themselves at home. Empowering students with knowledge can also help spread awareness to the wider community. Here are some fun tips for teaching your kids about radon.
Community Outreach Programs
Some Canadian schools have taken proactive steps to engage their communities by hosting radon awareness events or collaborating with local health departments. These programs can provide valuable information, offer free radon test kits to families, and create a culture of safety that extends beyond the classroom.
Myths and Misconceptions About Radon in Canadian Schools
“Our School Is Too New to Have Radon Issues”
Many parents and even school administrators assume that new buildings are exempt from radon problems. However, radon doesn’t discriminate based on a building’s age. It depends on the surrounding soil and the integrity of the building’s foundation. Whether the school was built last year or fifty years ago, testing is still crucial.
“Radon Isn’t a Big Deal in Our Province”
It’s easy to think that radon is only a concern in specific areas, but radon levels can be high anywhere in Canada. Even low-risk areas can have pockets of high radon due to local geology. This makes testing important no matter where you live.
“Mitigation Is Too Expensive for Schools”
Cost is often cited as a barrier to radon mitigation, but there are funding options available. Provincial governments, federal grants, and even private foundations offer financial assistance to help schools cover testing and mitigation costs. Schools should explore all available resources to protect students without breaking the bank.
Conclusion
Radon exposure in schools is a hidden but significant health risk for children across Canada. By understanding the risks, advocating for regular testing, and pushing for effective mitigation, parents can play a crucial role in ensuring their children’s safety. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, get involved, and demand action. After all, our kids deserve to learn in an environment that’s safe and healthy.
With a combination of awareness, advocacy, and proactive measures, we can help Canadian schools manage radon risks effectively. For more information about radon, testing, and mitigation, visit Health Canada or Spectra Radon to learn about our services and how we can help protect your family from radon exposure.
Together, let’s make sure our children’s schools are doing everything they can to prevent radon exposure and create a safe learning environment for all.