Pennsylvania students and advocates want schools to test for Radon

(WHTM) – Pennsylvania students and advocates are calling on lawmakers to take action against Radon.

Radon is an odorless and invisible radioactive gas naturally released from rocks, soil, and water.

“Why are we focusing on Radon because it is a significant environmental health risk and because it can be prevented. Let me say that again, we can fix this problem,” said Michelle Nacarrati-Chapkis, executive director for a healthy environment.

The CDC says Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer deaths in the United States.

“We need to take Radon seriously, it’s time to update building codes, make testing a requirement and ensure that every Pennsylvanian, especially youth can breathe safely in the places where we live, learn, and grow,” said Emma Ehan, a Pittsburgh area student.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency says all Pennsylvania counties show radon tests exceed the action level of 4 pCi/L (picoCuries per liter).

“Most of our community doesn’t realize that radon in schools is an issue. They don’t know that it is a risk for their children. Kids have no clue that there home away from home could be detrimental to their health,” said Swati Mylarappa, Pittsburgh area student.

To take action, Senate Bill 1328 was introduced in September. If passed it would require all Pennsylvania schools to test for Radon, at least once every five years.

If a school tests at or above action levels the school will need to implement mitigation strategies to reduce radon levels.

Additionally, this legislation, “will ensure that any newly constructed, remodeled school building must undergo radon testing within 19 months of its completion. This proactive measure will help prevent potential exposure right from the start,” said Republican Senator Devlin Robinson.

“Students like me, were very centered around school and we’re in those buildings a large majority of the day. So, students like me want to feel confident, that the air we are breathing in is safe and our parents want to feel confident in that to,” said Paige Hinkle, Pittsburgh area student.

While officials work to get schools tested, they want to remind you it’s also important to test your home for Radon. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection says about 40% of homes in Pennsylvania have radon levels above action guidelines.

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