How Radon Mitigation Systems Work in Schools & Daycares

Schools and daycares across Green Bay, Appleton, Milwaukee, and surrounding communities sit on soil that can produce elevated radon levels. With 1 in 2 Wisconsin homes testing above the EPA's 4.0 pCi/L action level, commercial buildings where children spend hours each day deserve the same attention. Understanding how a radon mitigation system works in these facilities is the first step toward protecting young learners and staff.

How Does Radon Get Into School & Daycare Buildings?

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that forms in the ground and moves upward through soil. In communities like Green Bay, Appleton, and Milwaukee, local geology creates conditions where radon can accumulate beneath building foundations. Schools and daycares are particularly susceptible due to their large footprints and ground-level classrooms.

• Foundation cracks and gaps: Even hairline cracks in concrete slab foundations or basement walls create direct pathways for radon gas to seep into occupied spaces from the soil below.
• Utility penetrations: Openings where plumbing, electrical conduits, and HVAC lines pass through the foundation leave gaps that allow radon to enter the building quietly.
• Sump pits and floor drains: Many older school buildings throughout Wisconsin have uncovered sump pits or floor drains that serve as open channels for soil gases, including radon, to rise indoors.
• Construction joints: Gaps between poured concrete walls and floor slabs, common in larger commercial structures, provide additional entry points where radon can gradually accumulate.

What Are the Health Risks of Radon Exposure for Children?

Children are more vulnerable to the effects of radon than adults for several biological and behavioral reasons. Because they breathe faster and spend extended periods indoors at school or daycare, their cumulative exposure can be significant. Radon is the number one cause of lung cancer after smoking among nonsmokers, making radon testing a critical priority.

• Increased respiratory rate: Children breathe at a faster rate than adults, which means they inhale more radon particles relative to their body size during the same time period.
• Developing lung tissue: Young lungs are still growing, and exposure to radioactive radon decay products can cause cellular damage that may lead to long-term health complications.
• Longer exposure windows: Students and children in daycare may spend six to eight hours or more per day inside a building, creating prolonged daily exposure to elevated radon levels.
• Cumulative risk over time: Radon exposure compounds year after year. Children who attend school in the same building from kindergarten through eighth grade could face years of accumulated exposure.

What Types of Radon Mitigation Systems Are Used in Schools?

A radon mitigation system for a school or daycare must account for larger floor plans, multiple foundation types, and complex HVAC configurations. A-1 Radon designs customized solutions for commercial buildings throughout Green Bay, Appleton, Milwaukee, and the surrounding region. Several proven methods are commonly used in educational facilities.

• Active sub-slab depressurization (ASD): This is the most widely used radon mitigation system in commercial buildings. A fan draws radon from beneath the foundation slab and vents it above the roofline before it can enter occupied spaces.
• Passive depressurization systems: These rely on natural air pressure differentials and building stack effect to direct radon upward and out through vent pipes, often used as a preventive measure in new construction.
• Sub-membrane depressurization: For buildings with crawl spaces, a sealed membrane is installed over exposed soil, and a venting system pulls radon from beneath the barrier to the exterior.
• Building pressurization: HVAC systems are adjusted to maintain slightly positive indoor air pressure, preventing radon from being drawn in through the foundation.

Who Is Responsible for Installing Radon Mitigation in Schools?

Responsibility for addressing radon in schools typically falls on the building owner or the organization managing the facility. In Wisconsin, school districts and daycare operators are expected to provide healthy indoor environments for students and staff. While there is no federal law mandating radon testing in schools, the EPA strongly recommends that all schools be tested and that any building with levels at or above 4.0 pCi/L take action.

Local school boards in Green Bay, Appleton, Milwaukee, and nearby communities often work alongside certified radon professionals to determine the best approach. A-1 Radon holds certifications from the NRPP and AARST, providing the qualified expertise these projects require.

For daycares, licensing requirements may vary, but ensuring healthy indoor air quality remains a key responsibility of the facility operator. Partnering with an experienced, locally owned company like A-1 Radon helps schools and daycares move from radon testing to a fully installed radon mitigation system with confidence.

How Long Does It Take To Install a Radon Mitigation System in a School?

The timeline for installing a radon mitigation system in a school or daycare depends on several factors, including the size of the building, the foundation type, and the complexity of existing mechanical systems. For smaller daycare facilities, installation can often be completed in one to two days. Larger school buildings with multiple wings or foundation sections may require a more phased approach.

A-1 Radon begins every commercial project with a thorough onsite assessment and radon testing to identify the scope of work. This initial evaluation typically takes place within days of the first inquiry, thanks to A-1 Radon's commitment to rapid response service across Green Bay, Appleton, Milwaukee, and the surrounding areas.

Most installations in mid-sized school buildings are completed within one to three days, with minimal disruption to daily operations. Scheduling work during breaks or weekends is also an option. With over 18,000 systems installed, A-1 Radon brings the efficiency and expertise needed to keep projects on track.

Protect Your School or Daycare with A-1 Radon

Every child in Green Bay, Appleton, Milwaukee, and the surrounding areas deserves clean indoor air. If your school or daycare has not had radon testing, or if elevated levels have already been identified, A-1 Radon is ready to help. As a locally owned company with over 18,000 systems installed and a lifetime warranty, we deliver reliable results you can count on. Contact us today for a free estimate!