Dubuque schools test positive for radon, plan minor adjustments

Recent radon testing in Dubuque Community Schools buildings yielded positive results that left district officials planning to adjust ventilation in two offices to address slightly higher levels of the naturally-occurring, radioactive gas. Radon, an odorless and colorless gas, is the top cause of lung cancer among non-smokers. Dubuque Community Schools Buildings and Grounds Manager Rob Powers said that in January, the district completed radon testing in each of the district’s schools. Across the district, seven total rooms at Senior High School, Jefferson Middle School and the district’s Alta Vista Campus initially tested a “a little bit on the high side” of acceptable radon levels. After the district made some changes in ventilation and cleaned filters that needed it, a second round of testing was completed and all but two of the flagged rooms tested within acceptable radon levels. The remaining two spaces are the custodial offices at Senior High School and Jefferson Middle School. Both are underground rooms and the district does not believe the development of an official mitigation system will be necessary for the custodial offices.