Legislators, Advocates to Discuss Need for Radon Testing in Schools

HARRISBURG – Senator Devlin Robinson (R-Allegheny) will join legislative colleagues and advocates from the Radon in Schools Workgroup on Monday, May 1 at 9:30 a.m. in the Capitol Rotunda to discuss the need to make radon testing mandatory in Pennsylvania schools.

Radon is a radioactive, colorless, odorless gas that comes from decaying radium in the soil that can enter buildings through cracks in the foundation. It is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S., and the leading cause of lung cancer in never-smokers. Children are particularly susceptible to radon exposure because of their developing lungs and growing bodies.

Most schools in the commonwealth do not test for radon gas, despite estimates that nearly 40% of schools may have unhealthy levels of radon gas.

 

Contact: Allison Dutrey (adutrey@pasen.gov)

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