What is Radon?

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the U.S. Surgeon
General, and other national scientific organizations have concluded that radon is a
human carcinogen and a serious environmental health problem. Radon is a naturally
occurring radioactive gas that comes from the natural breakdown of uranium found in
soil and rock. It is colorless, odorless, and tasteless. Long-term exposure to elevated
levels of radon (4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) or greater) increases the risk of developing
lung cancer. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. causing an
estimated 14,000 deaths a year. Radon gas travels through the soil and enters buildings
through cracks and other openings in the foundation. The only way to know if there is a
high level of radon inside a building is to test for it.

Radon Research
Early concerns about indoor radon were directed at the home environment.
However, research conducted by EPA indicates that school classrooms with high radon
might also pose an environmental health problem for students and faculty. Research
was initiated in 1988 with an investigation of radon in schools located in Fairfax County,
Virginia. In 1989, EPA recommended that schools nationwide be tested for the
presence of radon. The results of this nationwide survey indicated that nearly one in five
U.S. schools have at least one ground contact room with short-term radon levels above
4 pCi/L; the level at which EPA suggests mitigation.

Connecticut’s Response to Radon
In 1990, the Connecticut Department of Public Health (CT DPH) initiated the
School Testing Program (STP) for Connecticut schools. In collaboration with local
health departments and school administrators, the program targeted schools located in
high radon potential areas for testing. Radon testing was conducted using methods
developed by the EPA. To date, 253 schools in 46 municipalities have been tested.
According to Connecticut General Statute § 10-220(2), “prior to January 1, 2008,
and every five years thereafter, every school building that is constructed, extended,
renovated, or replaced on or after January 1, 2003 shall be inspected and evaluated for
radon levels in air and water.”

For More Information please contact the Connecticut Department of Public Health, Radon
Program:
Phone: 860/509-7367
Fax: 860/509-7378
Website:    http://www.ct.gov/dph/radon