With more than 55 million children and 6 million adults spending their days in K–12 school buildings across the United States, the American Lung Association (ALA) is calling on school administrators nationwide to make indoor air quality a priority—starting with testing for radon, the second leading cause of lung cancer in the country.
Radon is a naturally occurring, odorless, tasteless, and colorless radioactive gas that can accumulate inside buildings, including schools. It causes approximately 21,000 deaths annually in the U.S., and the only way to know if levels are elevated is to test.
“Every child deserves a healthy place to learn, and every educator deserves a healthy place to work,” said Harold Wimmer, President and CEO of the American Lung Association. “Testing for radon is simple and affordable—and schools can take action to fix the problem if levels are high.”
Why Radon Testing Matters
- Health Risks: Radon is a proven cause of lung cancer, with no known safe level of exposure.
- Prevalence: Can enter through cracks in floors, walls, and foundations.
- Learning Impact: Poor indoor air quality is linked to reduced academic performance, more absenteeism, and higher risk of respiratory illnesses.
- EPA Guidance: Action recommended at 4.0 pCi/L or higher, and consideration for levels between 2.0 and 4.0 pCi/L.
The ALA emphasizes that testing is straightforward—many states allow school officials to be trained to do it themselves, or licensed professionals can be hired. Schools that find elevated levels can take proven mitigation steps to protect health.
Call to Action
The ALA is urging all school districts to:
- Test every building for radon.
- Mitigate if levels are above EPA guidelines.
- Educate staff and parents about indoor air safety.
