According to last Sunday’s reporting, only 12% of Maine schools have been tested for radon over the past five years. Of the 12% tested, 25% had elevated levels of cancer-causing radon gas, which is the second leading cause of lung cancer.

A recent study indicated that it was common for districts with other financial challenges to “overlook” the issue. One district’s administrators were concerned that the study would “uncover issues that the community couldn’t afford to fix.” The cost to test for and remediate elevated levels of radon gas was estimated at $2,000 to $20,000 per school.

What is the value of a child in kindergarten? How about first or second graders? Every child is priceless. They are at a larger risk because they have smaller lungs. They breathe faster and they are closer to the floor.

Why do our administrators and our legislatures insist on monetizing human life? Why do they wimp out, replacing mandates with suggestions?

We know that a 2019 Maine law “encourages” schools to test for radon. The original vision was a “mandate.” The risk of exposure in Maine ranks in the top 15% nationwide. Maine is third in the nation for radon-induced lung cancer. The EPA estimates that 310 people will develop radon-induced lung cancer annually.

People need to wake up and take this matter seriously. Enough of this safe mediocrity. Let’s get the job done.

Thomas Deignan Sr.
Scarborough