Where is the most effective location to place a radon detector in a school?

Placing a radon detector in a ground-level classroom is the most effective option due to the nature of radon gas and how it infiltrates buildings. Radon is a colorless, odorless gas that originates from the natural decay of uranium in soil and rock, and it typically enters buildings through cracks in floors, walls, and other openings.

Ground-level spaces in buildings, including schools, are often points of entry for radon as the gas rises from the ground. Since classrooms on the upper levels are farther from the ground, they are less likely to have elevated radon levels compared to areas closer to the source of radon emanation.

Additionally, placing a detector in the basement could seem logical, given that basements often experience higher concentrations of radon. However, while basements are important spaces to monitor, classrooms at ground level where students spend most of their time provide a more direct assessment of the air quality that affects the health and safety of the occupants during the school day.

Outside the building is not a viable option for detecting radon levels that directly affect indoor air quality, as radon is primarily a concern when it accumulates inside a building rather than in the outdoor environment.