The district has received inquiries regarding documented radon levels at existing schools, particularly those located adjacent to construction sites. Some additional questions were raised regarding the impact of construction on radon levels to nearby properties.
Though radon is not regulated in Michigan public schools, approximately one in four homes in Michigan and Washtenaw County may have elevated radon levels, according to the State of Michigan’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE). The Ann Arbor Public Schools takes the health of students and staff seriously. Based on a consultation with the Washtenaw County Environmental Health division, the district intends to test the following school buildings:
- Thurston Elementary School
- Clague Middle School
- Dicken Elementary School
- Mitchell Elementary School
- Scarlett Middle School
There is no current evidence of a concern, but testing can ensure the district is taking steps to keep students and staff safe. Testing is expected to occur in October and November, during normal school operations, with results released and posted to the a2schoolsbond.org website as soon as results become available.
The design and construction of new elementary school buildings include integrated radon mitigation measures consistent with federal guidelines and as outlined in the Collaborative for High Performance Schools (CHPS) green building criteria and described in EQ C9.1 LOW RADON. The new Mitchell, Dicken, Logan and Thurston Elementary schools will all have integrated radon mitigation measures, consistent with the district’s commitment to the health of students and staff.
The district asked a geotechnical expert consultant familiar with AAPS school sites to evaluate research available regarding the lateral migration of radon from nearby construction sites to adjacent properties. The resulting memo is available on the website, on the Assessments & Surveys page. The document finds that the current scientific understanding and health assessments indicate that construction activities on one property do not increase radon levels on adjacent properties.
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