Canton To Test Schools For Potentially Deadly Gas

CANTON, CT— Canton schools later this month will be testing its school facilities for a potentially deadly and naturally occurring radioactive gas.

In a letter sent out to the Canton School System community on Monday, Dec. 4, Thomas Richardson, the district's superintendent of building and grounds, said the testing is part of a five-year mandate required of all public school facilities.

The testing will be from Dec. 19-21, he said.

"This required inspection and re-evaluation of indoor air quality includes evaluation of radon gas," Richardson wrote. "The purpose of the re-evaluation of indoor air quality is to determine if air quality has changed in the past five years."

Radon is a naturally occurring gas caused by the decomposition of uranium deep underground. Because it is radioactive, prolonged exposure can cause lung cancer.

It is considered a leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers.

Since it is colorless and odorless, radon is only detected via special testing and is most commonly needed in home basements, as homeowners could be exposed for years and not know it.

Richardson said an environmental firm hired by the school district will place testing devices throughout the district's five schools.

"Radon test devices are safe and do not cause any adverse health effects," he wrote. "These devices will be left in place for two to three school days."

Richardson said the test results will be publicly available and, if they show elevated levels of radon, remediation measures will be ordered.

For the full text of Richardson's letter to the Canton school community, click on this link.

For more information on radon and its impact on schools and homes, click on this link.