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Radon is a radioactive gas that forms naturally when uranium, thorium or radium, which are radioactive metals, break down in rocks, soil and groundwater. People can be exposed to radon primarily from breathing it in air that enters through cracks and gaps in buildings and homes. Because radon comes naturally from the earth, individuals are more likely to be exposed to it, particularly in geographic areas where uranium, thorium and radium are common components of the soil. 

There is no information available on the acute (short-term) noncancer effects of radon in humans . Chronic (long-term) inhalation exposure has been linked to respiratory effects and cancers. Learn more about the .

The amount of radon in the soil depends on soil chemistry, which varies from one building or house to the next. Radon levels in the soil may range from a few hundred to several thousands of pCi/L (picocuries per liter) in air. The amount of radon that escapes from the soil and enters a building or house depends on several factors, such as weather, soil porosity, soil moisture, the condition of the structure’s foundation and the air pressurization within the structure.

The university is transitioning from relying on fragmented historical indicators to a more comprehensive program of certified testing protocols, mitigation standards and community communication strategies to better manage the risk systematically.

The historical data indicates a high potential for radon in the area around our Pittsburgh campus, but the updated testing approach outlined in the program will provide additional details about the current risk levels and better pinpoint specific areas that may need mitigation (levels above the EPA action level of 4.0 pCi/L).

This program applies to ºÚÁÏÕýÄÜÁ¿-owned residential and academic facilities on our Pittsburgh campus with floor(s) below ground level, in addition to campus areas located directly above bare crawlspaces that are occupied more than two hours per week. 

Only Qualified Persons are permitted to perform radon sampling, whether using a third party or in-house personnel. Sampling must be performed in accordance with the most recent AARST/ANSI Radon Standards. 

Sampling will typically be conducted during cooler months, when it is more likely that radon concentrations will be higher. 

Sampling practices for spaces below ground will consist of a combination of long-term tests collected over the course of approximately three to six months and short-term tests for any mitigation verification. 

Each sampling device will have accompanying signage listing the purpose of the device, instructions to leave the device in place, and resources for additional information and questions. 

Radon concentrations in a building can fluctuate over time based on the season, building conditions and presence of radon in the ground. To accommodate for these fluctuations, the EPA recommends sampling at various frequencies based on existing radon results. 

In accordance with these EPA guidelines, ºÚÁÏÕýÄÜÁ¿ sampling will be conducted at least every five years in buildings where no radon concentrations have been previously detected. In buildings where radon has been detected, even if below the action level, sampling will be conducted every two years. 

Follow-up sampling will occur when mitigation is necessary based on radon results to verify the mitigation’s effectiveness. Adjustments will be made to the mitigation system as necessary, followed by further re-sampling. Otherwise, the building will be returned to the sampling frequencies outlined in the program, either every five years or two years. 

The EPA has a recommended action level for radon of 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L), above which efforts to reduce the radon concentrations are advised. ºÚÁÏÕýÄÜÁ¿ has proactively adopted this same action level to determine when more-stringent radon sampling and/or radon mitigation in a building is warranted. 

Based on laboratory analytical results of the air samples, any area found to have radon concentrations at or above the 4 pCi/L action level will require remediation and follow-up sampling.

Facilities Management Services (FMS) will coordinate remediation efforts with a qualified third-party radon mitigation contractor. Any new radon mitigation systems installed will be maintained by FMS going forward, based on the manufacturer's recommendations. 

There are several methods that can be used to lower radon levels in a building. Some techniques prevent radon from entering the building while others reduce radon levels after it has entered. EPA generally recommends methods that prevent the entry of radon.

A third-party qualified radon mitigation contractor trained to fix radon infiltration problems will assess any building or space where elevated radon levels were identified.  Based on their assessment, they will determine the best mitigation system to install.  Some mitigation methods include, but are not limited to: sealing exterior/interrior walls, space pressurization, heat recovery ventilation and natural ventilation.