Washington school buildings test for radon this week

WASHINGTON — Test kits were placed around Washington’s high school building, central office, bus barn and the preschool area of Stewart Elementary on Monday, as the district conducts routine checks for radon.

Among Washington’s school buildings, only the district’s central office and day care area have previously shown high radon levels after testing. Both now have ventilation systems installed to mitigate risks of the naturally occurring gas — associated with increased lung cancer rates in high concentrations — but Superintendent Willie Stone said this would be the first radon test since the preschool’s mitigation plan started last year.

All other buildings on the checklist are up for routine radon checks which the schools conduct every four years, according to Stone. He said the tests would go up in many classrooms, but would not disrupt the school day.

“Early Monday morning, before school, we’ll put all of those out, and on Friday, they’ll collect them,” he said. “They’ll sit in (every) classroom for a week.”

The tests only work under certain conditions, according to an email shared with staff ahead of the testing period. As a result, teachers are not to touch or move the devices at any point, or open windows and outside doors during the week.

Once results are returned, Stone said the district would have any mitigation plans moving in a matter of weeks, if needed.

“Once testing is completed, we will communicate the overall final results to you, parents and the community on our website,” said the document shared with staff. “If any radon levels need fixed, we will fix them.”

Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com