CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – Testing results showed four areas in the basement of Tremont Montessori School had elevated levels of radon, according to Cleveland Municipal School District.
The district said the areas are a gymnasium, a practice room for band members, and a storage room.
Radon is an invisible, odorless, cancer-causing gas.
CMSD said the testing was requested by the school’s principal after a staff member raised health concerns.
According to the EPA, any radon levels higher than 4.0 picoCuries per liter should be mitigated.
The testing was conducted by Getco Environmental Consultants between January 30 and February 1.
“The test media consisted of charcoal diffusion barrier test kits. Pursuant to the ODH and US EPA, samples were placed on all levels of the building, including the basement, first floor, second floor, and third floor,” the report stated.
According to a floor plan of the school’s basement, an area labeled “classroom” had an elevated level of 7.2 pCi/L.
Another area labeled “unknown” was at 9.7 pCi/L, which is more than twice what the EPA says needs to be mitigated.
The school held a meeting Tuesday evening for concerned parents and staff to ask questions about the results.
Media were told they were not allowed inside.
Off camera, CMSD told 19 News they have already started mitigation to decrease those elevated levels.
The district said additional testing will happen this weekend.
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