High Radon Levels Found in Illinois Schools

June 4, 2012 - PRLog -- Last month, NBC’s Channel 5 in Chicago published a report about a pilot radon testing program started in Illinois back in January.  So far only a little more than 40 schools have applied for testing, but roughly 70% have been found with elevated levels of radon according to the report.

Also last month, KWQC News 6 in Iowa broadcast a report about radon in schools in that state.  It reported that schools in Iowa are not required to test for radon, but that preschools are mandated to be tested every two years.  

The Surgeon General has warned that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States today.  These media reports on schools have raised concerns with students, parents and teachers about radon levels and how much time they spend in an indoor school environment that may have never been tested for radon.  

Illinois and Iowa are not alone in concerns over radon.  According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), “A nationwide survey of radon levels in schools estimates that nearly one in five has at least one schoolroom with a short-term radon level above the action level of 4 pCi/L (picoCuries per liter) - the level at which EPA recommends that schools take action to reduce the level. EPA estimates that more than seventy thousand (70,000) schoolrooms in use today have high short-term radon levels.”

“Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is known to cause cancer,” reported Ed Chambers, President of EC2, an Illinois-based environmental consulting firm that specializes in radon and indoor air quality testing services.  “Radon is colorless, odorless and tasteless so people have no idea if they are being exposed unless the area is tested.  Summer vacation is starting soon in most school districts so now is an ideal time to have the facilities tested to ensure radon levels are not elevated.  If high radon levels are found, there are proven steps that can be implemented to lower exposure to this deadly gas,” he continued.

EC2 has sponsored an online video to help educate people about radon risks.  It can be seen at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6yOMtXafNwM



To learn more about radon or other environmental and indoor air quality (IAQ) services, please visit http://www.4ec2inc.com, email info@4ec2inc.com or call (815) 703-9000.

About EC2, Inc.
EC2 is a leading provider of environmental consulting and inspection services for clients across the United States.  Based in the Chicago area, the company provides their services to clients ranging from local companies and institutions to international Fortune 500 Corporations.