Unmasking the Invisible Threat: Ensuring Radon in Calgary Schools and Daycares

As parents, our highest priority is the safety and health of our children. Schools and daycares are entrusted with providing safe environments where children can learn, grow, and thrive. While concerns such as food safety and playground supervision are visible and routinely addressed, other risks are less apparent.

One such invisible threat is radon gas. Long-term exposure to radon significantly increases the risk of lung cancer. Calgary’s unique geology and the presence of older buildings make radon exposure a legitimate concern in educational and childcare environments.

Radon in Calgary Schools: An Unseen Hazard in Our Built Environments

Radon is a major contributor to indoor air quality risks. In the Calgary region, sedimentary rock formations contain varying amounts of radioactive material, which can result in highly variable radon concentrations from one building to another.

Although awareness of radon has grown nationally, the environments where children spend six or more hours per day—often for many consecutive years—have not received consistent attention. Schools and daycares deserve focused evaluation because children experience prolonged and repeated exposure in these settings.

Children's Vulnerability: The Health Effects of Radon

Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in Canada and the leading cause among non-smokers. According to Health Canada, radon exposure is responsible for thousands of lung cancer deaths annually.

While lung cancer typically develops later in life, exposure during childhood contributes to cumulative lifetime risk. Children’s developing lungs and higher respiratory rates may increase their vulnerability to environmental contaminants. For this reason, early prevention is critical.

Alberta Regulatory Context for Radon in Schools and Daycares

Unlike some jurisdictions in Canada and internationally, Alberta does not currently have provincial legislation mandating radon testing and mitigation in schools or licensed childcare facilities.

Health Canada recommends that indoor radon levels remain below 200 Bq/m³ and advises testing in all buildings, including homes, schools, and daycares. If levels exceed this guideline, mitigation is recommended.

However, Health Canada does not have enforcement authority. Regulatory responsibility falls to provincial governments, and in Alberta, mandatory radon testing policies for schools and daycares have not been established.

Alberta Health Services (AHS) and public health

Radon oversight intersects multiple departments:

• Alberta Education – Oversees the education system.

• Alberta Children’s Services – Regulates licensed childcare facilities.

• Alberta Health Services (AHS) – Oversees public health.

Alberta Education

Radon testing in schools is not provincially mandated. Responsibility for facility maintenance and safety programs is typically delegated to individual school boards. Some boards proactively conduct radon testing, but participation is discretionary.

Alberta Children’s Services

Licensed daycares focus primarily on operational guidelines, health inspections, and child supervision standards. There is currently no explicit requirement for radon testing or reporting under provincial childcare licensing regulations.

Suitable Radon detection devices 

1. Alpha Track Detectors (Long-Term)

These passive devices measure cumulative radon exposure over time. A small plastic film records microscopic damage caused by alpha particles emitted during radon decay. They are considered the most reliable method for long-term testing (91+ days).

2. Electret Ion Chamber (EIC) Detectors

These devices detect voltage changes on a charged disc when radon ions are present. They can be used for both short- and long-term testing and provide average radon concentrations over the deployment period.

3. Continuous Radon Monitors (CRMs)

CRMs are electronic devices that provide hourly radon readings and often record environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity. They are typically used for diagnostic or short-term assessment purposes.

Testing Protocols for Educational Institutions

Detector Placement

• Deploy one detector per 200 m² (approximately 2,000 ft²) or per distinct room.

• Multiple detectors are typically required per wing or floor.

• Testing should occur at the lowest occupied level of the building.

Closed-Building Conditions (Short-Term Testing)

For short-term tests, exterior doors and windows (except for normal entry/exit) must remain closed for at least 12 hours before and during testing. HVAC systems should operate normally without intentional ventilation changes. This ensures realistic worst-case measurement conditions.

Reporting and Record Keeping

This is to ensure accurate ongoing evaluations and to assist with reporting to the relevant parents and authorities to demonstrate due diligence. The information is relevant to identifying a specific area of concern, continuum, and/or detector.

Communication: Transparency

A clear communication plan for parents, staff, and the broader community builds trust. Transparency about testing timelines, results, and mitigation plans is essential for credibility.

From Testing to Action: Radon Safety Planning in Schools

Testing alone is insufficient. Institutions must be prepared to respond if elevated radon levels are identified.

Phase 1: Planning and Evaluation

Establish a Radon Action Team

Include administrators, facility managers, and parent or community representatives. This team oversees planning, communication, and response.

Budget Allocation

Mitigation costs can range from several thousand dollars for smaller facilities to significantly more for large multi-wing schools. These costs should be viewed as an investment in health and long-term safety.

Engage C-NRPP-Certified Professionals

Certified radon measurement professionals develop testing plans, ensure proper detector placement, manage laboratory analysis, and interpret results according to Health Canada protocols.

Site Survey

A certified professional should conduct a comprehensive walkthrough to determine optimal detector placement across classrooms, offices, basements, gyms, and common areas.

Communication Planning

Inform parents and staff before testing begins. Outline goals, timelines, and the mitigation plan if elevated levels are discovered.

Phase 2: Testing

Deployment

Install long-term alpha track detectors in designated areas. Ensure proper labeling and documentation of each unit.

Operational Conditions

Staff should maintain normal building operations. For short-term tests, reinforce closed-building requirements.

Collection and Analysis

After the 3–12 month testing period (depending on the chosen protocol), detectors are collected and submitted to an accredited laboratory for analysis.

Phase 3: Results and Mitigation

Review Results

Any reading exceeding 200 Bq/m³ requires mitigation planning under Health Canada guidelines.

Risk Mitigation Framework

The most common and effective mitigation method is Sub-Slab Depressurization (SSD). This system:

• Creates suction beneath the foundation slab

• Draws radon from beneath the building

• Vents it safely above the roofline

• Often includes sealing cracks and utility penetrations

Installation Oversight

Mitigation must be completed by qualified professionals and comply with building and safety codes.

Post-Mitigation Testing

Follow-up testing is essential. After the system has operated for 24–30 days, conduct a long-term test to confirm levels have been reduced below 200 Bq/m³.

FAQ

How can I confirm whether radon testing has been conducted at my child’s school or daycare?

Contact the school principal or daycare director and ask whether radon testing has been performed and whether results are available.

If further escalation is needed, parents may contact:

• Calgary Board of Education

• Calgary Catholic School District

• Alberta Children’s Services

Parent advisory councils and advocacy groups can strengthen collective voice.

What is Health Canada’s recommended radon level?

Health Canada recommends indoor radon levels remain below 200 Bq/m³.

• If levels exceed 200 Bq/m³: Mitigation is recommended within 2 years.

• If levels exceed 600 Bq/m³: Mitigation is recommended within 1 year.

The goal is to reduce levels to as low as reasonably achievable, ideally below 200 Bq/m³.

What does radon testing look like in schools?

Most schools use multiple long-term alpha track detectors placed at breathing height in frequently occupied rooms at the lowest occupied level. These devices remain in place for at least 91 days, often throughout the school year. After the testing period, a C-NRPP-certified professional retrieves the detectors and submits them for laboratory analysis.

How do schools reduce radon levels?

The most common method is Sub-Slab Depressurization (SSD). This system captures radon beneath the building and vents it safely above the roofline. Sealing cracks, floor drains, and utility penetrations further reduces radon entry.

All mitigation work should be performed by certified professionals to ensure effectiveness and safety.

How can parents advocate for stronger radon safety protocols?

Parents can:

• Raise the issue at parent advisory council meetings

• Speak directly with school administrators

• Contact school board trustees

• Engage local Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs)

• Advocate for province-wide testing and mitigation policies

Community education and organized advocacy are powerful tools for policy change.

Conclusion

Radon in Calgary schools and daycare facilities represents an invisible yet significant public health concern. Its risk stems from prolonged exposure, children’s developing lungs, and the absence of mandatory provincial testing requirements.

Scientific evidence clearly supports proactive testing and mitigation. By increasing awareness, improving transparency, and advocating for stronger policies, communities can ensure safer learning environments for all children.