Legislature Fails To Protect Minnesota Children From Radon

Last ditch efforts to require radon testing in Minnesota schools failed when the state Senate refused to include it in the final education budget bill.

Minnesota Department of Education Commissioner Mary Cathryn Ricker was very disappointed, saying she felt it was really important to make sure we know the health conditions that our kids are learning in.

WHY WE SHOULD BE TESTING

According to estimates from the Federal EPA, Radon is responsible for over 21,000 deaths each year. According to research, children are especially vulnerable to Radon. Since Radon is an odorless, colorless gas, the only way to know if it's present is to conduct testing.

I found it frightening that last year, out of 331 schools districts in Minnesota, only 53 districts had reporting testing for Radon since 2012, even though it's been recommended to have it tested every five years.  New data now shows that number has gone up to 111....which is promising, but still a long way from where it needs to be.

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