Radon Testing for Schools and Daycares: EPA Guidelines and AARST Standards

Children spend 6–8 hours per day in schools and daycares — second only to their homes in daily occupancy time. Because radon exposure risk is cumulative and children’s developing lungs may be more sensitive to radiation, radon in school buildings is a significant public health concern. EPA has published specific guidelines for school radon testing, and AARST-ANSI has developed standards (SGM-SF) that govern professional testing in educational and large commercial buildings.

Why Schools Are a Priority

School buildings face the same radon entry pathways as residences — soil gas entering through foundation cracks, floor penetrations, slab joints, and block wall cavities. Several factors make schools a particular concern:

• Long daily occupancy by vulnerable populations: Children spend 1,000+ hours per year in school buildings. Cumulative radon exposure during childhood contributes to lifetime lung cancer risk.
• Ground-floor and below-grade classrooms: Many schools have ground-floor or basement classrooms — the highest-radon zones in any building.
• Large building volumes: Large buildings dilute radon more than small residences, but individual classrooms in poorly ventilated areas can accumulate significant concentrations.
• Variable ventilation: Older school buildings frequently have inadequate or inconsistent mechanical ventilation, allowing radon to accumulate during the school day.

EPA’s School Radon Testing Program

EPA does not federally mandate radon testing in schools — there is no federal law requiring schools to test. However, EPA has published detailed guidance through its “Radon in Schools” program, recommending testing of all ground-level and below-grade spaces in school buildings. EPA provides free technical assistance to states and school districts through this program.

EPA’s recommended action level for schools is the same as for residences: 4.0 pCi/L. EPA recommends that schools test every 5 years and after any major renovation that affects the foundation, HVAC, or building envelope.

State Requirements for School Radon Testing

Several states have enacted mandatory radon testing requirements for schools:

• Illinois: Requires radon testing in all public schools; has established a state school radon testing program
• New Jersey: Requires periodic radon testing in public schools
• Pennsylvania: Has enacted school radon testing requirements
• Iowa: State radon program provides resources for school testing; requirements have evolved
• Other states: Requirements vary and change — check your state’s radon program or department of education for current mandates

In states without mandatory testing, individual school districts may have adopted their own radon testing policies. Many districts in high-radon zones (EPA Zone 1) test voluntarily regardless of state mandate.

AARST-ANSI SGM-SF Standard for Schools

AARST-ANSI SGM-SF (Standard for Radon Mitigation in Schools, Large Buildings, and Multifamily Structures) governs both testing and mitigation in school buildings. Key differences from residential standards:

• School buildings must be tested by a certified measurement professional (not DIY testing)
• Short-term tests (48–96 hours) must be conducted during school occupancy and under normal HVAC operating conditions — not during summer break or weekends when HVAC schedules may differ
• Testing must cover each “test area” (room or zone with a separate HVAC zone or floor level)
• Results above 4.0 pCi/L trigger mitigation planning requirements
• Post-mitigation testing must be conducted by an independent certified professional, not the installing contractor

What Parents Can Do

• Ask whether your school has been tested: Request the most recent radon test results from the school principal or district facilities manager. In states with public disclosure requirements, results may be available through the state radon program or department of education.
• Ask when the school was last tested: EPA recommends testing every 5 years. If your school has not tested within that window, request that testing be scheduled.
• Advocate for testing through the school board: If the district has not tested and is not responsive to individual requests, bringing the matter to the school board is the next step. Present EPA’s school radon guidance documents as the basis for the request.
• Contact your state radon program: State programs often provide testing resources, technical assistance, or can apply pressure on districts that are not complying with state requirements.

Radon in Daycares and Childcare Facilities

Daycares and childcare facilities face the same radon risks as schools, with an additional concern: infants and toddlers spend much of their day on the floor — closer to radon entry surfaces — and breathe at higher respiratory rates than adults, increasing intake of radon decay products per unit of time.

State licensing requirements for childcare facilities may include radon testing as a condition of operation in high-radon states. Even where not required, reputable childcare facilities in radon-prone areas should test and disclose results to parents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are schools required to test for radon?

There is no federal mandate for radon testing in schools. Several states (including Illinois, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania) have enacted mandatory school testing requirements. In other states, testing is voluntary — though EPA strongly recommends it for all ground-level and below-grade school spaces. Check your state’s radon program or department of education for current requirements.

Can parents request radon test results from their child’s school?

Yes. In most states, school radon test results are public records and must be disclosed upon request. Start by requesting results from the school principal or district facilities manager. If results are unavailable or the school has not tested, escalate to the school board and contact your state radon program for assistance.

What happens if a classroom tests above 4.0 pCi/L?

Under EPA guidance and AARST SGM-SF, a result above 4.0 pCi/L in a school space requires mitigation planning and action. The affected space should not be used for extended occupancy until mitigation is complete and post-mitigation testing confirms levels below 4.0 pCi/L. Schools may close affected classrooms, relocate occupants to above-grade spaces, or implement interim ventilation measures while permanent mitigation is installed.