Harwood district radon testing is underway

Written By HUUSD
Nov. 19, 2024 
 

Dear guardians and staff:

In 2021, the Vermont legislature passed a law requiring all schools to test for radon (see Section 12 of Act 72 (2021)). Our schools are beginning that testing process in December. Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about radon testing.

Why Are Our Schools Being Tested for Radon?

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas found in rocks, soil, and water. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that 21,000 people die each year in the United States from lung cancer due to radon exposure. Radon is also the leading cause of lung cancer among people who don’t smoke. Because it has no color, smell, or taste, testing is the only way to know if radon is in a building. This is why the Vermont Health Department and the Environmental Protection Agency recommend that all homes and schools be tested for radon.

Homes and schools are the places where people are typically exposed to the most radon. Because students and staff spend a lot of time at school, it’s important to make sure we don’t have high levels of radon in our school buildings. Other schools in Vermont have tested for and found high levels of radon. Once they did, they were able to easily fix the problem. 

How Does Radon Enter a School Building?

Many factors contribute to radon entering a school building. Schools in nearby areas can have significantly different radon levels from one another. Here are some reasons why some schools have elevated radon levels and others do not:

  • Concentration of radon in the soil and permeability of the soil under the school building

  • Structure and construction of the school building

  • Type, operation, and maintenance of the heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system

Why Is the Testing Taking Place While School Is in Session?

Radon levels can fluctuate throughout the year, but they tend to be the highest during the winter months since the windows and doors are closed. The testing period needs to include the time when the school is occupied and operating under normal heating conditions. If we tested when the building was not occupied, we may not be able to determine the actual amount of radon students and staff are exposed to. We will perform testing during December and January.

Which Rooms Will Be Tested?

Every classroom, office, and other commonly used room that is in contact with the ground or above a crawl space or basement will be tested. A small portion of upper floors will also be tested. Storage rooms, locker rooms, kitchens, and bathrooms will not be tested. Most rooms will have only one radon detector, yet some rooms will have more than one.

Is the Radon Detector Hazardous in Any Way?

No, there is nothing hazardous or toxic inside a radon detector. Detectors should not be moved, touched, or otherwise tampered with while the testing is taking place.

When Will We Know the Results?

Once the test is complete, all radon detectors will be collected. Results will be available once the detectors are analyzed, which may take a few weeks. After the results come back, we will send a letter with a summary of the results and any next steps that we will need to take.

What Will Happen If Radon Is Found in the Building?

We will find radon in the building. Radon is everywhere because it is naturally occurring. If we find radon levels of concern, we will create a plan for fixing the problem. For example, confirmation testing might be conducted, or a mitigation system might be installed. 

Testing dates are listed below. If you have any questions, please contact Ray Daigle at 802-583-8174 or rdaigle@huusd.org.

Sincerely,

Ray Daigle

HUUSD Director of Facilities and Operations

Radon Testing Dates

December 2024 - January 2025

  • Harwood Union Middle/High School: Devices deployed on Monday, Dec. 9, and collected on Wednesday, Dec. 11

  • Fayston Elementary School: Devices deployed on Tuesday, Dec. 10, and collected on Thursday, Dec. 12

  • Warren Elementary School: Devices deployed on Tuesday, Dec. 10, and collected on Thursday, Dec. 12

  • Brookside Primary School: Devices deployed on Monday, Dec. 16, and collected on Wednesday, Dec. 18

  • Moretown Elementary School: Devices deployed on Tuesday, Dec. 17, and collected on Thursday, Dec. 19

  • Waitsfield Elementary School: Devices deployed on Tuesday, Dec. 17, and collected on Thursday, Dec. 19 

  • Crossett Brook Middle School: Devices deployed on Monday, Jan. 6, and collected on Wednesday, Jan. 8

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