News Release March 13, 2025: Health officials encourage more schools to test for radon. From the Minnesota Department of Health: "Report finds testing is less likely in school districts with less funding for facilities projects and those that serve more low-income families. A first-of-its-kind report from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) found that only 39% of Minnesota public schools tested for radon, the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. Although there is no legal requirement to do so, and budget can be a barrier, MDH encourages schools to test for radon and offers assistance. Radon, an odorless, colorless gas, is linked to more than 21,000 lung cancer deaths in the United States each year. It occurs naturally in Minnesota soils and enters buildings through cracks or openings in walls or foundations. The MDH report, Testing trends for radon in indoor air in public schools Minnesota Department of Health Fall 2024, found that: Of the schools that tested, 16% had elevated radon in one or more rooms. School districts with less funding for facilities were less likely to test for radon. School districts with a higher proportion of low-income families were less likely to test for radon. A map in the report shows that counties with the most schools that tested for radon were clustered in the metro area and in south central and southeastern Minnesota.... MDH staff can provide training, technical assistance and a reduced-cost testing kit to make it easier for schools to test for radon. For more information, contact MDH’s Indoor Air Unit at 651-201-4601 or health.indoorair@state.mn.us. The MDH website includes more information on radon in homes and radon in schools as well as actions families can take to improve the quality of air that their children breathe. Families with questions about radon at their child’s school should contact the school." (fb)

Today is the start of National Public Health Week! Celebrate public health April 7-13, 2025 Public health starts with each of us making a difference in our homes and communities. It’s how the places we live, work and play affect our well-being. It’s the way we are all stronger—and healthier—together through the efforts of public health organizations and others that advocate for healthy communities. #NationalPublicHealthWeek Source: https://www.nphw.org Photo Credit: Annex Teen Clinic Graphic Credit: tmn art (fb)