Radon is an invisible, odorless gas that can build up indoors. It is the leading cause of lung cancer in non smokers. Pennsylvania consistently records some of the highest radon levels in the nation due to its geology. The only way to know if it’s present at elevated levels is to test.
That matters in school buildings—where students and staff spend their days.
Two bipartisan bills in Pennsylvania, HB 289 and SB 760, would create a more consistent approach to radon testing in school buildings. Both are currently stalled in committee, (and that delay keeps schools and families stuck with a patchwork system). HB 289 is in the House Environmental & Natural Resource Committee, and SB 760 is in the Institutional Sustainability & Innovation Committee.
Take action now:
https://ujoin.co/campaigns/4154/actions/public?action_id=6186
Why radon in schools deserves urgent attention
Radon exposure is a public health concern with a clear first step: testing. When elevated levels are identified, mitigation steps can reduce radon.
The challenge in Pennsylvania is inconsistency. Some school districts test. Others don’t. Some communities have clear processes for follow-up steps, while others are left without guidance or support. That means students may face different levels of protection depending on where they attend school.
A statewide approach helps ensure radon testing in school buildings is routine, planned, and communicated clearly.
What HB 289 and SB 760 would change
HB 289 and SB 760 are designed to strengthen radon testing and related follow-through in school buildings across Pennsylvania. In addition to requiring radon testing and mitigation for existing school facilities, the bills would require that each new school building be constructed using new, radon-resistant construction techniques. A consistent policy creates clearer expectations for schools and a more reliable baseline for families and staff.
Just as importantly, it moves the conversation from “Should testing happen?” to “Here’s how testing happens—and what comes next.”
What we’re seeing on the ground
Women for a Healthy Environment (WHE) works directly with schools and early learning centers through our 1000 Hours A Year program to support radon testing and next steps when elevated levels are found.
Schools want clarity. A consistent statewide approach can reduce confusion, strengthen planning, and help ensure radon concerns are addressed before they become long-term exposure risks.
The next step is simple: schedule committee action
Committee leaders control whether bills are scheduled for action. When constituents speak up, offices notice—especially when messages arrive consistently.
Send your message today:
https://ujoin.co/campaigns/4154/actions/public?action_id=6186
Two actions that help this week
- Send your message through uJoin (it takes under a minute).
- Share the link with one parent, educator, or colleague who cares about school building conditions.
Radon is invisible. The solution starts with testing—and Pennsylvania can choose consistency.
