Where do you sample for radon in schools?

• A. Classrooms
• B. Cafeterias
• C. Outdoors
• D. Stairwells and Locations With Poor Ventilation

Answer: (D)

Radon is a colorless, odorless radioactive gas that tends to build up in enclosed, poorly ventilated spaces, especially near the ground. When testing schools, you want locations that are most likely to reflect higher concentrations and where air movement is limited. Stairwells and areas with poor ventilation fit this, because they often have less air exchange and can trap radon coming in from below. Testing in classrooms or cafeterias might not capture the highest levels if those spaces are better ventilated or more isolated from the ground, and outdoor testing isn’t representative of indoor exposure since outdoor radon is typically much lower. So testing in stairwells and other poorly ventilated locations gives the best indication of potential risk inside the building.