The University of Wisconsin – Madison is committed to maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, faculty, staff, and visitors. As part of this ongoing commitment, Environment, Health & Safety, through its Office of Radiation Safety and Occupational Health, is launching a proactive program to assess radon levels within campus buildings.
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas found in soil and rock throughout Wisconsin, and it is recognized as a potential health concern. Due to the geology of our region, there is a possibility of elevated radon levels indoors.
To understand and manage potential radon presence effectively, we are initiating a Radon Pilot Program. During this initial phase, trained personnel from our team will conduct radon testing in three selected campus buildings. The data gathered will help us evaluate radon concentrations, refine our testing methodologies, and inform the development of a comprehensive, long-term radon management strategy for the university.
We understand you may have questions about radon and this testing initiative. Please browse the Frequently Asked Questions below for more detailed information about radon, its health effects, our testing procedures, and the goals of this important pilot program.
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General Questions About Radon
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What is radon?
Radon is a naturally occurring, colorless, odorless, and tasteless radioactive gas.
Where does it come from?
Radon primarily comes from the natural breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water. The gas can move through the soil and enter buildings through cracks and other openings in the foundation. The radon that reaches the air we breathe typically originates from rocks and soil just a few feet below surface.
Why are we testing for radon?
We are testing because long-term exposure to elevated radon levels can increase the risk of lung cancer.
Is radon a problem in this area/state (Wisconsin)?
Yes, elevated radon levels have been found in buildings across Wisconsin. The geology of the region contributes to the potential for radon gas to seep into buildings. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services and the EPA both recommend testing, if possible.
Who is conducting this testing?
This radon testing program is managed by the Office of Radiation Safety and Occupational Health, units within the Environment, Health & Safety department. The program relies on collaboration with many external partners including those at Physical Plant, Housing, and the schools and colleges across campus.
Is this testing required?
While not necessarily a legal requirement at this time for all university buildings, this testing program is being proactively undertaken by the university as part of our commitment to ensuring a safe and healthy environment for all students, faculty, and staff.
How common is elevated radon in buildings like ours?
Elevated radon levels can occur in any type of building, including research facilities, regardless of age or foundation type. The only way to know for sure is to test. Data from state and national sources indicate that a significant percentage of buildings have radon levels above the EPA action level.
Can radon levels change over time?
Yes, radon levels can fluctuate due to various factors such as changes in soil moisture, temperature, barometric pressure, and ventilation within the building. This is why long-term testing gives the most reliable results.
Is there a safe level of radon?
Technically, no level of radon is considered completely risk-free. The risk increases with higher and longer exposure. Our goal is to keep indoor radon levels as low as reasonably achievable.
Questions about the Pilot Program
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Why were these three buildings chosen for the pilot program?
These three buildings were selected for the initial pilot program based on several factors including their age, susceptibility to radon incursion, and complex occupancy/layouts. These buildings are relatively old and susceptible to radon incursion. Additionally, the layout and occupancy will result in testing complexities which are good to exercise early in the program. The goal of the pilot is to gather data and refine our testing procedures before expanding to other buildings on campus.
When will the result of the test be available?
After the testing devices are collected, they are sent to a certified laboratory for analysis. The Office of Radiation Safety will carefully review the data, evaluating it against established workplace safety standards and guidelines relevant to a university setting. If any location requires further investigation or mitigation based on established safety protocols, the team will directly relevant stakeholders for next steps.
What will be done with the data from this pilot program?
The data collected during this pilot program will be analyzed to determine the radon levels in these buildings. This information will help us understand the potential for radon issues on campus and inform decisions about any necessary mitigation measures and the scope of future testing.
Have past tests shown that there are buildings on campus with high radon concentrations?
Tests from the 1990s were done at a wide range of buildings on campus and did not identify any occupied spaces with a level of radon above recommended limits. However, the tests done then do not meet the more rigorous requirements of current radon testing guidance for large buildings.
How will the feedback from the pilot program be used?
We value your feedback. We will be seeking input from occupants of these buildings to understand the impact of the testing process and identify any areas for improvement in our communication and procedures as we expand the program.
Who can I contact if I have any more questions or concerns?
For any questions or concerns regarding the radon testing program, please contact the Office of Radiation Safety at RadiationSafety@wisc.edu or +1.608-262-3600.
Testing Logistics
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How long will the testing take?
The devices will be in place for around 6 months as radon levels can fluctuate due to various factors such as changes in soil moisture, temperature, barometric pressure, and ventilation within the building. At the conclusion of the testing period the devices will be shipped to a lab for analysis. We estimate that the summary of the findings will be compiled approximately 4 to 8 weeks after that.
Can I move the testing device?
No, please do not move the radon testing device. Radon testing requires the device to stay in one specific location for the entire testing period according to established protocols. Moving the device, even slightly, can disrupt the measurement process and lead to inaccurate results, potentially invalidating the test. If you believe the device needs to be moved or have concerns about its placement, please contact the Office of Radiation Safety.
What kind of radon testing device will be used?
We will use alpha track radon detectors. These are small (about the size of a yo-yo), passive (non-powered) devices commonly used for reliable long-term testing. They do not emit any signals or radiation.
How does the testing device work?
The detector contains a special plastic film. Alpha particles, emitted when radon gas decays, strike this film and create microscopic tracks. After the test period, the film is processed in a laboratory, and these tracks are counted to calculate the average radon concentration during deployment.
Where will the devices be placed in the building/my office/lab?
Placement of radon detectors follows established protocols from the American Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists (AARST), which are designed to ensure that the data collected is representative of the building’s overall radon levels. This means detectors are strategically placed in areas where people spend time, typically in regularly occupied rooms such as offices, labs, classrooms, or break areas.
Who will be placing and retrieving the devices?
Staff from Environment, Health & Safety, from the Office of Radiation Safety and Occupational Health, will place and retrieve all detectors. They will carry appropriate identification.
Will I need to do anything during the testing period?
Please maintain your normal work patterns and building conditions. The most important things are to not move, cover, or damage the detector and to avoid unusual ventilation changes (like blocking vents or keeping windows open constantly if they are normally closed). The goal is to simulate typical indoor conditions without introducing variables that could skew the results.
Will the testing disrupt my work?
No. Placement and retrieval should only take a few minutes. The detector itself is small, silent, requires no power, and operates passively in the background without interfering with your activities.
Will you need to enter my office/lab? If so, when?
Possibly. Brief access to the selected testing locations is required for placement and retrieval. This will be done by Environment, Health & Safety staff during normal university business hours. If access may interrupt activities, please contact the Office of Radiation Safety.
How will the results be collected?
At the end of the testing period, staff will physically retrieve each detector device. The devices are then sent to a certified, independent laboratory for analysis.
Will the results be specific to my location within the building?
While each device measures radon at its specific spot, the Office of Radiation Safety evaluates the data collectively for areas or the building as a whole, using workplace safety criteria. Individual room-specific numerical results are generally not distributed directly to occupants to avoid misinterpretation with residential guidelines.
Who will have access to the results?
Detailed results are typically accessed by Occupational Health and the Office of Radiation Safety and potentially other relevant departments for interpretation and planning any necessary mitigation. Summary information may be shared more broadly.
What if the test results are high? What happens next?
If results exceed the university’s reference values the team will proceed with control and risk reduction through mitigation. This may involve confirmation testing, source investigating, and assistance in developing a mitigation plan, if needed. Direct communication with occupants/managers of affected areas will occur at that point.
Will retesting be done?
Retesting is standard practice after mitigation work to ensure its effectiveness. Periodic retesting in buildings may also be conducted in the future as part of the ongoing safety program.
Will there be any signage about the testing?
Test devices contain a small sticker and QR code that directs the individual to sources of additional information. Individual devices are small and typically do not have large signs, but they will be identifiable as testing equipment.
How will we know when the testing period is over?
The testing period concludes when authorized personnel retrieve the devices.
What are the hours for device placement and retrieval?
Devices will be placed and retrieved during normal university business hours.