Radon is a known carcinogen. There are currently no conclusive data on whether children are at greater risk than adults from radon. We do know that risks for everyone are related to how much radon is in your home, how much time is spent in the home, and smoking or exposure to smoke. In a child's world risks relate to the level of radon in their home, school or child care facility; how much time they spend in areas with high levels of radon; and whether or not adults in the home smoke. All of these variables can be controlled. Testing for radon is easy and inexpensive. High radon levels in buildings can be lowered. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency(EPA) figures that radon levels in homes can be readily lowered for about $800-$2500 with an average cost of $1200.
Since children spend a considerable amount of time in child care, Iowa law states that Child Care Centers must have testing performed as prescribed by the Iowa Department of Public Health. For more information read Measuring Radon in Iowa Child Care Facilities for the Iowa Department of Public Health, Midwest Universities Radon Consortium, University of Minnesota http://www.idph.state.ia.us/eh/common/pdf/radon/daycare_protocols2.pdf
Reference: A Citizen's Guide to Radon, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
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