Several classroms, offices and the gym were closed off at at an Illinois elementary school after dangerously high levels of the deadly gas radon were discovered. The school in question is the Pleasantdale elementary school in District 107.

Deadly Gas Radon Discovered at Pleasantdale, Illinois Elementary School

Initial tests were conducted for the deadly gas radon back in August (18-20), and while elevated levels were detected a more accurate average reading was necessary. Six rooms at the school were found to have levels exceeding the recommended limit as set by the U.S EPA, which is 4 pCi/L. The district has actually had the school tested regularly for the deadly gas radon, after elevated levels were discovered back in 2006 in two classrooms.

The testing results led the district to hire David Kedrowski, an environmental consultant. He made adjustments to the building’s heating, ventilation and AC system after analyzing the problem. Several short-term tests conducted on September 2nd to the 5th indicated that levels of the deadly gas radon in the building have been reduced, thanks to Kedrowski’s changes.

Elevated Levels of the Deadly Gas Radon Detected Again

Oddly enough, recent long-term tests conducted from September 22nd to October 6th again showed elevated levels in the building including in the gym, eight classrooms and six offices. The highest level of the deadly gas radon was recorded at 34.8 pCi/L, which is more than eight times the recommended action limit.

District superintendant Mark Fredisdorf said, “We’re kind of surprised that there were elevated levels again,”

“We did find out that we had units that were inadvertently turned off during testing, which led to some higher levels being detected, but we are staring testing Friday that will be continuous so that we measure on an ongoing basis and get a more accurate measure now.”

The areas with the high levels of the deadly gas radon have since been evacuated, and will continue to remain unused until the problem is corrected.

“We’ve been told that exposure over a long period is associated with lung cancer and that there are no immediate health risks here,” Fredisdorf said.

Take Action Against the Deadly Gas Radon

It is indeed true that long-term exposure poses the biggest threat, yet it is still ideal to take action as soon as possible to remedy an issue. It should be noted that you cannot take proper action until you have tested the residence or building in question. In the school’s case, it’s honorable that they continued to test the location. One should take example and follow suit with their own home, business or school.

Since the findings, the Pleasantdale school district has held two meetings with parents in order to update them on the current situation. In addition, those interested can follow updates on the school district’s official website.

Via: Chicago Sun Times