Radon Safety
Radon awareness and prevention for healthier campus spaces.
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that comes from the breakdown of uranium and other elements in soil and rock. It cannot be seen or smelled, but it can build up indoors and pose serious health risks. Radon is recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, after smoking.
Because radon levels can vary widely from building to building, testing is the only way to know whether radon is present at elevated levels.
Penn State addresses radon as part of its commitment to environmental health and safety—supporting informed building decisions, coordinated testing, and awareness to help protect the health of students, faculty, staff, and visitors.
Program Applicability
The suite of radon programs and services that EHS provides ensure adequate radon safety at the University. These programs and services apply to Penn State buildings and spaces that may require radon evaluation due to factors such as building design, occupancy, ventilation conditions, or local geological conditions.
These EHS programs and services provide a framework for radon monitoring, evaluation, and when necessary, recommendations for mitigation, to support occupant safety and achieve compliance with applicable environmental health and occupational safety guidance and standards.
Program Requirements
The EHS Radon programs and services establish requirements for the identification, monitoring, and management of radon at Penn State to support a safe environment for employees, Staff, and students, and also help to maintain compliance with applicable regulations and guidance. EHS also retains records of historical testing and radon screening results.
Monitoring activities within this program area include short-term screening measurements and long-term monitoring. Long-term radon measurements are performed using approved monitoring devices and analyzed by an accredited third-party laboratory.
EHS has also worked with Occupational Medicine to provide key health and safety information for the community associated with radon.
Documents and Forms
- Radon and Penn State
Program Specific Information
How Radon Enters Buildings
Radon forms naturally as uranium and thorium break down in soil and rock. The gas moves upward through the ground and can enter buildings through:
- Cracks in floors or foundations
- Gaps around pipes, drains, and utility penetrations
- Crawl spaces and other openings in contact with the ground
Radon levels can be higher in lower levels of buildings, such as basements or ground floors. Levels often increase during colder months when buildings are more tightly sealed and pressure differences draw soil gases indoors.
Importantly, radon levels can vary greatly between neighboring buildings, regardless of age, size, or construction type. Because of this variability, radon potential cannot be predicted without testing.
Testing and Mitigation Considerations
Testing: Public health agencies recommend radon testing for all buildings, since radon is widespread and unpredictable. Testing may be conducted using short‑term or long‑term methods, depending on the situation and purpose.
Professional requirements in Pennsylvania: In Pennsylvania, radon testing and mitigation must be performed by certified professionals under state regulations. Certification helps ensure testing quality, proper installation of mitigation systems, and protection of occupants.
Follow‑up and verification: When mitigation systems are installed, follow‑up testing is recommended to confirm that radon levels have been reduced and remain effective over time.
Additional guidance and resources are available through the EPA, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, and other public health organizations.