Should Radon Testing in Schools Be Mandatory?
Radon (Rn) is a radioactive element that forms from the nuclear decay of uranium in rocks and soil. A colorless, odorless gas, radon can enter buildings through drains, cracks in the floors and walls, and even the water supply. Indoor radon levels tend to be highest in places that are close to the soil and have little ventilation, such as basements or crawl spaces.
When a person inhales radon-contaminated air, the lungs trap radioactive particles. As these particles decay, radiation is released into the lung tissue. Over time, repeated exposure to high radon levels can result in lung cancer.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) identifies 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) of air as the national “action level” for radon. (A picocurie is a unit of radioactivity.) If an indoor space has a radon level of 4 pCi/L or higher, the EPA recommends that steps be taken to reduce it. Such steps might include installing a ventilation system and sealing cracks in the building's foundation.
Radon Testing in Schools Should Be Mandatory
The EPA estimates that indoor radon exposure contributes to 21,000 lung cancer deaths in the United States each year. After smoking, radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer.
Students and teachers spend extended periods of time indoors at school. A nationwide survey of radon levels in schools found that nearly one in five schools has at least one classroom with radon exceeding the EPA's action level of 4 pCi/L.
Indoor radon can be easily tested. If elevated radon levels are found, they can be reduced using proven techniques. But without mandatory testing, school administrators may not be aware of the potential risk of radon exposure in their schools.
Radon Testing in Schools Should Not Be Mandatory
The EPA's radon guidelines are based mainly on studies of workers in uranium mines. Radon levels in these mines were far greater than those found in homes or schools. In addition, the miners engaged in tiring labor, resulting in heavy breathing of the surrounding air. Lastly, most of the miners were smokers. The data from these studies are appropriate for predicting the risk of radon exposure for uranium miners—but not for the general public.
The EPA's action level of 4 pCi/L is not universally accepted. In Canada and Europe, for example, radon guidelines are much less strict. Until scientists gather more data about the risk of residential radon exposures, radon testing in schools should not be mandatory.
Defining the Issue In your own words, explain the issue that needs to be resolved about indoor radon.
Analyzing the Viewpoints List two arguments of those who think that radon testing should be mandatory in schools. List two arguments of those who think that radon testing should not be mandatory in schools.
Forming Your Opinion Should there be mandatory radon testing in schools? Which argument did you find more convincing?