Originally published November 18, 2025 - Margaret Henderson
School Radon Testing in Vermont: Lessons Learned
Contributed by Michelle Thompson, Vermont Department of Health
Radon testing in Vermont schools has increased due to more awareness and a state law. The law (section 12 of Act 72) was passed in 2021 and requires all schools to test for radon following ANSI/AARST standards. In 2022, an extension was granted giving schools until June 30, 2025 to complete testing.
While an increase in testing is good, due to limitations of the current law, we don’t know the actual amount of radon risk reduction achieved during the testing period. The law is also missing key best practices like funding support, central results reporting, comprehensive community notification, and requirements for mitigation and future testing. In addition, throughout the testing period, the Vermont Radon Program (https://www.healthvermont.gov/environment/healthy-homes/radon) encountered issues like schools not testing at all, testing in the summer rather than during the heating season, and testing only one room.
Improving the current law to include these best practices could better facilitate radon risk reduction.
For more information, email the Vermont Radon Program at radon@vermont.gov.
Source: Adapted from the presentation by Michelle Thompson at the 2025 IEA Radon and Vapor Intrusion Symposium, Fort Worth, Texas
United States