Southwest Allegheny News

Senator Devlin Robinson has introduced new legislation aimed at mandating radon testing in Pennsylvania schools. The announcement was made during a legislative briefing at the state Capitol, organized by the Radon in Schools Working Group. This bill seeks to address the public health risks posed by radon exposure, particularly in Pennsylvania where geological conditions increase the likelihood of elevated radon levels.

Radon is a radioactive gas that can lead to serious health issues, including lung cancer. Despite these risks, many schools do not conduct regular radon testing. A national survey indicated that nearly 20% of schools have classrooms with radon levels above the Environmental Protection Agency's action threshold of 4 picocuries per liter.

Robinson stated, "As parents, teachers and community leaders, it is our duty to ensure the environments in which our children learn and grow are safe." He emphasized that his proposed legislation would require all Pennsylvania schools to test for radon every five years and implement mitigation strategies if necessary.

The bipartisan Senate Bill 1328 also includes provisions for mandatory testing within 19 months after any new or remodeled school building is completed. Robinson noted that "radon testing is not a complex process – it’s simple, effective and it saves lives."

Community leaders expressed support for this initiative. Michelle Naccarati-Chapkis from Women for a Healthy Environment said, “Radon exposure in schools is a significant public health concern.” Nate Burden from PA Indoor Environments Association added that all public schools should be tested for elevated radon levels due to its potential health risks.

Robinson highlighted the importance of prevention through this legislation: “This bill is not just about compliance – it’s about prevention.” The event featured insights on radon's health impacts and included perspectives from student leaders like Yuki Qian from North Allegheny High School who advocated for addressing environmental injustices through such measures.