Radon found in five Manx schools

Government stresses no immediate health concerns

Five Manx schools have been found to have "minor issues" with a radioactive gas, however, government is stressing there are no immediate health concerns.

Radon is naturally occurring and comes from uranium found in the ground and some building materials.

All state-run schools on the Island underwent testing this summer as part of government's legal obligation to limit exposure to gas.

While 97 percent of the 500 rooms tested were within the legal limit, minor issues are said to have been found in 14 rooms, including a classroom, staff room and caretaker's office.

The affected rooms are at Kewaigue, Scoill Vallajeelt, St Johns, St Thomas' Church of England, St Ninian's and University College Isle of Man.

Staff, students and parents have been notified.

A qualified radon expert is now making a plan, involving minor works in the rooms affected.

Julie Edge MHK, Minister for Education Sport and Culture, says: ‘The department is committed to upholding the highest standards of health and safety. I want to reassure students, parents and staff that the risk in the school environment is low and the early appointment of a qualified radon expert demonstrates we are taking immediate action.

Clare Barber MHK, Minister for Environment, Food, and Agriculture adds: ‘The tests are part of a series of radon actions to ensure the Government is taking necessary steps to limit exposure, aligning with practices in the rest of the British Isles.

‘No one can predict the level in an individual building, so it is better to know and take appropriate mitigation steps. This is the first part of an ongoing programme to assess the levels of radon in our built environment.’

A spokesperson for the UKHSA says: ‘The results are similar to many other schools and workplaces tested across the UK, and established procedures should be followed.’

The UKHSA advised the DESC that affected schools should continue operating as normal.

Interim Director of Public Health, Professor Hugo van Woerden, says: "While short-term exposure to radon in schools might not immediately pose significant health risks, repeated or prolonged exposure to high levels, over an extended period, could potentially have adverse health effects.

"Health organisations like the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have established guidelines and recommendations for acceptable levels in indoor environments, so it is essential for schools and public buildings to be regularly tested and action taken where necessary to ensure the health and safety of the people that use them."