District Radon Testing
In accordance with recommendations from the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) and the U.S Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), our District recently completed initial radon tests in all school buildings.
Test Results: The initial tests indicated elevated radon levels (ranging between 4 and 8 picocuries per liter) in locations within three school buildings. The readings, while above the EPA’s recommended action level of 4.0 picocuries per liter (pCi/L), do not pose an immediate health risk but warrant further investigation to confirm persistent levels.
Next Steps: To confirm the initial results, in May of 2025, we initiated 90-day radon testing in the locations with elevated readings. These extended tests provide more accurate data, helping us determine if mitigation measures are necessary. The locations of the 90-day testing are as follows:
JB Nelson Elementary School: Office 147, Classroom 104, LRC 149
Alice Gustafson Elementary School: Classroom 147, Classroom 148, Classroom 151
Batavia High School: Classroom D110, Offices: B101E, B100G, B100J, B101D
90-day Test Results:
JB Nelson Elementary School: Office 147, Classroom 104, LRC 149 – All three rooms tested below the EPA threshold. No mitigation measures will be installed.
Alice Gustafson Elementary School: Classroom 147, Classroom 148, Classroom 151 – Classroom 147 Measured above the EPA Threshold. Mitigation measures will be installed beginning the week of August 5, 2025.
Batavia High School: Classroom D110, Offices: B101E, B100G, B100J, B101D – Three office areas and Classroom D110 measured above the EPA Threshold. Mitigation measures will be installed beginning the week of August 5, 2025.
Safety and Transparency: The health and safety of our students and staff remain our highest priority. Radon risks are associated primarily with prolonged exposure, and the detected levels do not pose an immediate health hazard. In the areas where the 90-day tests confirmed elevated levels, the District has developed a mitigation plan using licensed radon mitigation professionals.
Additional Resources
For more information on radon, testing procedures, or mitigation methods, please visit the Illinois Emergency Management Agency’s Radon Program.
Thank you for your continued support as we ensure safe learning environments in our schools.
What is Radon?
Radon is a naturally occurring, radioactive, colorless, odorless, tasteless gas produced from the decay of uranium and radium found in most soil and rock. Natural soils and rock such as granites, shales, and corals, contaminated soils from uranium processing mills, contaminated building materials, and groundwater water supplies directly from wells are a few common sources of radon.
Radon can be found at some level in all indoor and outdoor air, in any type of building, including homes, offices, and schools. Typically, most radon gas is generated from the surrounding soil or bedrock, pulled through the soil or rock by air pressure differentials, and enters the structure.
