To: All School Staff and Parents
From: Scott Bridges, Superintendent, Melcher-Dallas CSD
Date: December 1, 2022
Re: School Radon Testing
Student learning and the safety of students, staff and community are priorities for the Melcher-Dallas Community School District. The administration of Melcher-Dallas is providing you with this notification that initial radon screening will be conducted during December 12-16, 2022. The testing is not harmful in any way, and there is no need for students, parents and teachers to do anything special in preparation.
Radon testing is required for all Iowa public school attendance centers at least once every 5 years, and childcare centers and preschools are required to be tested every 2 years. Radon is naturally occurring everywhere, but, if elevated, can cause an increased risk of lung cancer over the course of a person’s lifetime. Our district has received training and has proactively placed all of our buildings on a rotating radon test schedule.
To test for radon in the air, kits that look like small envelopes will be used in our learning spaces. It is important these kits are not disturbed, and that exterior windows and doors are kept closed except for normal entry and exit. The envelopes will be left in place for 5 school days.
Final radon testing results will be communicated by the Melcher-Dallas Community School Radon Team to the board of education, staff and the public. In the event that elevated levels during occupied hours are found, steps will be taken to correct the issue using methods suggested by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
For most students and staff, research suggests that school is actually the second largest contributor to radon exposure. The home is likely to be the most significant source of radon exposure. Therefore, parents and staff are encouraged to also test their homes for radon and to take action to reduce elevated concentrations.
If you have further questions regarding radon testing at Melcher-Dallas Community School, please feel free to contact Scott Bridges at 641-944-5241 or email bridgess@melcher-dallas.k12.ia.us.
Thank you, in advance , for your cooperation.
Scott Bridges
Superintendent
Melcher-Dallas CSD