Why talk about radon now?
January is National Radon Action Month, a national push to test buildings and raise awareness about this invisible lung cancer risk. CDC also observes Radon Awareness Week the last week of January — in 2026 that’s January 26–30 — making now the perfect time for schools and childcare programs to act.
Radon is a colorless, odorless, radioactive gas that seeps from soil into buildings through cracks and openings. It’s the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S., and winter conditions (closed windows, pressure differences from heating) can drive levels up — which is exactly why winter testing is recommended.
Why schools and childcare centers should test
EPA and national radon programs emphasize that schools can have elevated rooms even when nearby homes are low. A nationwide survey estimates nearly 1 in 5 schools has at least one room with a short-term radon level above the EPA action level of 4.0 pCi/L. That’s the level at which mitigation is recommended.
EPA’s Managing Radon in Schools guidance lays out how to plan a program, test the right rooms, interpret results, and incorporate radon risk management in renovations. For administrators, it’s a practical roadmap rather than a science lesson.
The standards schools should follow
While EPA provides policy guidance, measurement details are governed by consensus standards adopted across the industry. For schools and large buildings, the recognized standard is ANSI/AARST MA-MFLB-2023 (Multifamily, School, Large/Commercial & Mixed-Use Buildings). It consolidates prior school and large-building protocols into one document and specifies where to place devices, how long to test, and how to report.
Key implications for facility teams:
- Test ground-contact rooms and other regularly occupied spaces per MA-MFLB.
- Use closed-building conditions for short-term tests so results reflect worst-case winter conditions.
- Re-test after significant renovations or HVAC changes to confirm conditions remain safe.
How testing works in classrooms and childcare spaces
Where to place devices: lowest level used by students/staff, in regularly occupied rooms away from exterior doors, windows, and drafts; avoid bathrooms/kitchens unless they’re teaching spaces.
How long: short-term devices typically run 48 hours to 7–10 days (per device specs) under closed conditions; long-term devices (90+ days) give a truer average across seasons.
Interpreting results:
- < 4.0 pCi/L: document and plan periodic re-tests.
- ≥ 4.0 pCi/L: implement mitigation planning and confirm with follow-up testing.
Georgia & South Carolina: resources and programs
- Georgia: The Georgia Department of Public Health reiterates EPA’s action level of 4.0 pCi/L and provides testing/mitigation education. Many Georgia libraries participate in an Electronic Radon Monitor Loan Program through UGA Extension and the Georgia Public Library Service — a helpful outreach resource for families.
- South Carolina: The state radon program (now housed under the SC Department of Environmental Services) offersfree short-term radon test kits to SC homeowners while supplies last — ideal for staff and parents who want to test at home in winter.
EPA also maintains a national page on how to get radon test kits, noting that free or low-cost kits may be available through state or local health departments.
What to do if a room is high
Don’t panic — radon problems are fixable. A qualified mitigation contractor can design a solution such as sub-slab depressurization or ventilation adjustments, often without disrupting the school year. After installation, post-mitigation testing confirms performance. Use the same standards and closed-building conditions to verify.
Communicating with parents and staff
Transparent communication builds trust. Consider this playbook:
- Notify families and staff that winter testing is underway as part of routine IAQ management.
- Share results by room (plain language + the 4.0 pCi/L action threshold).
- Explain next steps for any elevated areas, including timelines for mitigation and retesting.
EPA’s school guidance includes strategies for organizing the program and securing administrative buy-in, which helps keep efforts consistent each year.
Why professional testing helps
DIY devices are effective when used correctly, but professional measurement ensures:
- Correct room selection and device placement under MA-MFLB.
- Chain-of-custody and defensible reports for boards, insurers, and regulators.
- Efficient follow-up testing and coordination with mitigation teams where needed.
EnviroPro 360: Radon testing for schools & childcare across GA & SC
As the Southeast’s premier environmental testing partner, EnviroPro 360 provides:
- School and childcare radon testing to ANSI/AARST MA-MFLB-2023
- Clear, room-by-room reports ready for administrators and boards
- Follow-up testing after mitigation or HVAC changes
- Add-on services: indoor air quality, mold testing, and leak detection
Whether you manage a daycare, a private school, or a public district facility, our certified team makes testing straightforward and compliant — so families and staff have confidence in the air they breathe.
Final Thought
Make the most of Radon Action Month. Contact EnviroPro 360 to schedule winter radon testing for your school or childcare facility and get clear, standards-based answers you can act on.
