Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) recognizes the importance of providing a healthy learning environment for all students and staff members. Part of our environmental safety program is to follow the guidelines of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for radon testing and remediation.

Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) has been testing for radon in schools since the late 1980s. Comprehensive system-wide testing of all PGCPS facilities also was initiated during the 2016 – 2017 school year, and mitigation activities were completed during summer 2018. Testing and mitigation procedures complied with applicable U.S. EPA guidelines and industry best practices.

A nationwide survey of radon levels in schools estimates that nearly one in five has at least one schoolroom with a short-term radon level above the action level of 4 pCi/L (picoCuries per liter) - the level at which EPA recommends that schools take action to reduce the level. 

Periodic testing will be conducted of all PGCPS facilities on a three-year cycle. For facilities that have an active mitigation system, testing will be conducted on a two-year cycle. In addition, facilities with new construction or other capital projects (i.e., window replacement or large ventilation upgrades) will be tested. This testing frequency was developed with guidance from the EPA and other experts in the field.

School is not the only place that students and teachers can be exposed to radon. Since children spend only about 20 percent of their time at school, and more time at home, EPA recommends that every home also should be tested. 

Find out how to test your home for radon.