For many students, living in a residence hall is an exciting part of the college experience. Parents and students often consider factors such as campus security, meal plans, and academic resources before selecting housing. However, one indoor air quality issue that is sometimes overlooked is Radon. Like homes, apartments, and office buildings, university Dorms can experience elevated radon levels under the right conditions.

While not every dormitory has a radon problem, every building constructed over soil has the potential for radon to enter. Since the gas cannot be detected without specialized equipment, testing is the only way to determine whether students are being exposed to elevated levels.

What Is Radon?

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that forms as uranium breaks down in the ground. As the gas rises through the soil, it can enter buildings through small openings in foundations, utility penetrations, expansion joints, and other gaps.

Because radon has no color, smell, or taste, people living inside a building cannot tell when it is present. A building can have elevated radon levels for years without any visible warning signs.

Why Can Dorms Have Radon?

University Dorms are no different from many other types of buildings when it comes to radon exposure. If the soil beneath the structure contains naturally occurring uranium, radon gas can migrate into the building.

The condition of the building itself is not always the deciding factor. Even a well-maintained residence hall with modern construction techniques can develop elevated radon levels if soil conditions and building pressure allow the gas to enter.

For this reason, universities cannot determine whether a dorm has radon simply by looking at the building or considering its age.

Can New Dormitories Have Radon?

Yes. Many people assume that only older campus buildings are affected by radon, but newly constructed dormitories can also experience elevated levels.

Modern buildings are often designed to be highly energy efficient with tighter construction and improved insulation. While these features help reduce energy costs, they may also limit natural air exchange, allowing radon to accumulate if it enters from beneath the foundation.

Testing remains important regardless of when the building was constructed.

Which Areas of a Dorm Are Most Vulnerable?

Ground-floor and basement-level rooms generally have the greatest potential for elevated Radon because they are closest to the soil beneath the building.

However, that does not mean upper floors are automatically free from radon. Mechanical ventilation systems, stairwells, elevator shafts, and pressure differences can sometimes allow radon to move throughout portions of a building.

Comprehensive testing helps determine which areas require attention.

How Universities Detect Radon

The only dependable way to determine whether a dormitory contains elevated radon is through testing. Universities may conduct testing using either short-term or long-term monitoring devices placed in selected areas of the building.

Testing is commonly performed in lower-level rooms, but additional locations may also be evaluated depending on the building’s design and previous results.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s radon resources, testing is the only reliable method for measuring indoor radon levels.

What Happens If High Radon Levels Are Found?

If elevated radon concentrations are discovered, the situation can usually be addressed through professional mitigation. The most common solution involves installing an active soil depressurization system that safely redirects radon from beneath the building to the outside.

Depending on the size and layout of the residence hall, one mitigation system may be sufficient, while larger or more complex buildings may require multiple systems.

After installation, additional testing is typically performed to confirm that radon levels have been successfully reduced.

Should Students and Parents Ask About Radon?

Students preparing to live on campus should not hesitate to ask questions about indoor air quality. Many colleges have environmental health or facilities departments that can provide information about radon testing programs and building maintenance.

Asking whether residence halls have been tested demonstrates a proactive approach to health and safety without implying that a building necessarily has a radon problem.

Ongoing Monitoring Is Important

Testing should not necessarily end after a building has been evaluated once. Changes in weather, renovations, foundation settling, or modifications to HVAC systems can influence indoor radon levels over time.

Periodic monitoring helps universities confirm that previously acceptable radon levels remain low and that any mitigation systems continue operating effectively.

Radon Awareness Is Increasing on College Campuses

Indoor air quality has become an increasingly important topic across educational institutions. Universities continue to improve environmental health programs, and radon testing is often included as part of broader efforts to maintain safe campus housing.

As awareness grows, more schools are recognizing the value of routine testing and proactive mitigation when necessary.

Conclusion

University Dorms can have elevated Radon levels because the gas originates in the soil beneath buildings rather than the buildings themselves. Both new and older residence halls have the potential for radon entry, making testing an important part of maintaining healthy indoor air quality.

Fortunately, radon can be accurately measured, and effective mitigation systems are available when elevated levels are found. Through routine testing, proper maintenance, and timely mitigation, universities can continue providing safer living environments for students throughout their campus housing facilities.

Professional Radon Services

If elevated radon levels are identified in residential or institutional buildings, working with an experienced mitigation company is essential. Radon Delete provides professional radon testing, mitigation system installation, and follow-up support for a wide variety of properties. Their customized solutions help reduce indoor radon levels and support healthier environments for building occupants.