Portland Public Schools are being proactive about testing their schools for radon gas. Radon tests were performed in March at 26 PPS buildings after a law passed in 2015 by Oregon legislature requiring all PPS buildings to conduct and complete radon testing by January 1, 2021.

KGW news reported that of the 26 buildings, 800 rooms were tested and 121 rooms surpassed the EPA 4 pCi/L standard, which calls for further long-term testing measures. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidelines state that radon testing must be done for nine months during the school year. These tests will begin in the fall of 2016.

Radon gas seeps into homes and buildings through the soil and openings in the foundation. It can have a massive impact on indoor air quality. According to the EPA, radon exposure is 2nd to smoking as the leading cause of lung cancer. This is why we urge everyone takes action and test their home for radon. Join the cause to make Portland #RadonFree.

We recommend starting by testing your home with an easy DIY radon test kit. Charcoal activated test kits are affordable and accurate. The provided steps are easy to follow. If you have any questions along the way, we’re here to answer.

If your results are above 4 pCi/L (the EPA recommended action-level) we advise mitigating. If below 4 pCi/L, you should either keep your eye on it by performing the test again in a year, following up with a long-term alpha track test, or contact a certified radon professional to discuss mitigation.

Mitigating radon is usually rather simple and inexpensive. Our radon technicians are AARST-NRPP certified professionals. We install quality radon mitigation systems by method of sub-slab depressurization. Protect you and your family by reducing their exposure to radon. Our priority is to minimize, if not fully eliminate, indoor radon gas levels. Learn more about our radon services.

Portland Public Schools are Going #RadonFree