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Boise, ID -- (01/29/2025) -- The Boise School District is committed to the safety and well-being of our students and staff. As part of our proactive efforts, radon testing was conducted at North Junior High School over the winter break by Industrial Hygiene Resources (IHR). The testing identified elevated radon levels in three classrooms located in the cafeteria basement, where levels exceeded the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) recommended action level of 4 pCi/L, ranging from 1.9 pCi/L to 5.6 pCi/L. No elevated levels were found in the gymnasium basement or other areas tested.
Upon learning of the test results, the District acted swiftly to address the situation. Ventilation in the affected classrooms was enhanced by increasing fresh air intake through the HVAC system, successfully reducing radon levels to meet safety standards established by the EPA, Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Long-Term Commitment to Safety
To ensure continued safety at North Junior High and across all schools and facilities, the District is taking the following steps:
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Routine Monitoring: Installing radon monitoring devices in areas where radon is more likely to accumulate.
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Scheduled Retesting: Industrial Hygiene Resources doing ongoing monitoring testing between now and Spring Break when we will conduct a second round of radon testing over verify mitigation effectiveness.
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Ongoing Testing Program: Establishing a routine radon testing schedule for all facilities, ensuring consistent monitoring and safety compliance districtwide.
“We understand the importance of maintaining safe and healthy environments for our students and staff,” said Nick Smith, Deputy Superintendent, Boise School District. “These additional measures reflect our commitment to addressing any potential issues and confirming the air quality at North Junior High and all of our schools and facilities.”
Staying Informed
The District is also developing a Q&A document to provide clear, transparent information to North families, staff, and the community. We encourage any North families with questions to submit them using an online form or the QR code below.
For more information, please read the memo sent to North Junior High parents and staff.
For more information on radon and its health risks, visit the CDC website at https://www.cdc.gov.
The Boise School District will continue to update families as additional testing is conducted and long-term safety measures are implemented. Thank you for your trust and support as we work to ensure safe learning environments for all.
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