HARRISBURG – Sen. Devlin Robinson (R-37) will participate in a legislative briefing Wednesday, Oct. 2, to address the public health risks of radon exposure in Pennsylvania schools. The event will take place from 10:30 a.m. at the Pennsylvania State Capitol.
Radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas, poses significant health risks, especially in Pennsylvania, where the state’s unique geology heightens the potential for elevated radon levels. Despite this, many schools in Pennsylvania do not conduct regular testing. A nationwide survey found that nearly one in five schools has at least one classroom with radon levels exceeding the EPA’s action threshold of 4 picoCuries per liter, the point at which remediation is strongly recommended.
The participants will include:
- Sen. Robinson,
- Michelle Naccarati-Chapkis, executive director, Women for a Healthy Environment,
- Nathaniel L. Burden, Jr., radon scientist and president of PA Indoor Environments Association Chapter,
- Jacquelyn E. Nixon, Citizens for Radioactive Radon Reduction, Lung Cancer survivor,
- Students, environmental health advocates and public health experts.
During the briefing, Robinson will introduce his upcoming bill that mandates regular radon testing in schools and outlines mitigation efforts for any detected elevated levels.
CONTACT: Allison Dutrey