As parents, we do everything we can to keep our children safe, ensuring they eat well, wear their seatbelts, and look both ways before crossing the street. But what about the dangers we can’t see? Radon is one such hidden hazard that could be affecting our children’s health at school.
What is Radon?
Radon is a radioactive gas that forms naturally from the breakdown of uranium in the soil, rock, and water beneath us. It seeps into buildings through floor and wall surfaces in contact with the ground. . Because it is colourless, odourless, and tasteless, it can only be detected through specialised testing.
Long-term exposure to high radon levels is a serious health risk. After smoking, radon exposure is the leading cause of lung cancer worldwide. Similarly, research suggests that children are even more vulnerable to radon than adults, with their lifetime risk of developing lung cancer almost doubling when exposed to the same levels. This makes radon awareness and testing an essential part of ensuring a safe learning environment.
How Can I Find Out If My Child’s School Has Been Tested?
If you’re concerned about radon in your child’s school, there are several ways to find out whether it has been tested:
- School Administration: The headteacher or school administration should have records of any radon testing conducted on the premises.
- Local Authority or Academy Trust: The local authority or Academy Trust responsible for the school may also hold radon testing data for schools under their control. .
- Health and Safety Executive (HSE): The HSE can enforce radon testing where required and provide guidance on radon risk assessments.
PropertECO: As national specialists in radon gas testing and mitigation, we can also provide expert advice on radon in schools and help you navigate the next steps.
Are Schools Required to Test for Radon?
Under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, schools must assess all potential hazards, including radon. All schools are required to complete a radon risk assessment, which will determine whether radon testing is required. If a school is in a radon-affected area or has a basement, radon testing is a legal requirement.
Failure to comply with these regulations can result in significant penalties. In July 2023, a private boarding school in Bath was fined £50,000 after exposing pupils and employees to high levels of radon gas, highlighting the serious nature of non-compliance.
Our Work with Schools: ‘Radon Busters’
At PropertECO, we are committed to ensuring schools are safe from radon exposure. We recently partnered with I AM COMPLIANT, a leading safety management system for schools, businesses, and visitor attractions, to develop a radon awareness course. Inspired by Ghostbusters, we call ourselves the ‘Radon Busters’ that help schools tackle this invisible threat head-on!
What Does the Course Cover?
- Identifying the dangers of radon and the importance of proper testing.
- Understanding the key questions that need to be asked in a radon risk assessment.
- Learning effective actions to reduce radon levels and prevent future build-up.
By raising awareness and ensuring compliance, we can create safer environments for our children to learn and grow.
Take Action Today
If you’re unsure whether your child’s school has been tested for radon, don’t hesitate to ask! Encourage school leaders to take action, and if needed, contact us at PropertECO for expert advice and support.
Together, we can ensure that every child learns in a safe, radon-free environment.
