Radon in Schools

EPA recommends that all schools nationwide be tested for radon. To date, approximately 20% of the schools nationwide have done some testing. Some states have tested all their public schools.

Radon testing in schools is not mandatory in California and there is no state funding specifically set aside to help school districts pay for testing. However, some schools have been able to voluntarily test their classrooms. The only way to determine if a problem exists is to test for it. Having your school tested for radon is something you may want to discuss with your school officials.

Administrative Tools

The EPA has included radon in its free Indoor Air Quality for Schools Action Kit. Radon should be considered as part of a comprehensive indoor air quality plan for schools. More information on radon and the EPA Action Kit can be viewed here:  

Managing Radon in Schools, the EPA IAQ Tools for Schools Approach

 Schools can also assess the indoor air quality of their facilities with the new, free, EPA mobile app for android or IOS devices:

EPA School IAQ Mobile App

   

Resources for Students and Teachers

Radon is a great topic for students to explore because it covers many topics - biology, geology, chemistry, air quality, engineering and construction, math, and health. Below are selected resources developed by other state programs*

Radon Lesson Plans & Activities (New Jersey State Department of Environmental Protection)

Lesson plans for Elementary, Junior High, and High School students

The Radon Activity Book (Iowa Cancer Consortium)

Extensive activity book with answer key and background information

Radon Activity Book (Alabama Cooperative Extension)

Brief activity book for younger students

RadonRanger.com

Interactive comic book and radon quiz, in English and Spanish

University of Illinois Extension Teacher Resources

Materials include word scrambles, games, quizzes, and more.

Student Radon Video Contest (American Lung Association)

High School Student Entries for the Illinois Radon Video Contest

*These links are being provided as a convenience and for informational purposes only; they do not constitute an endorsement or an approval by CDPH of any of the products, services or opinions of the corporation or organization or individual. CDPH bears no responsibility for the accuracy, legality or content of the external site or for that of subsequent links. Contact the external site for answers to questions regarding its content. 

School Projects

If you are a student in California and you create a radon-related school project, let us know!

We may be able to feature it on our website. Contact us at radonprogram@cdph.ca.gov