Radon in Child Care
Radon testing in child care
What do licensed child care providers need to know?
Beginning on March 1, 2023, Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF) will require licensed family and group child care providers in Wisconsin to test for radon and mitigate radon if needed. This rule change applies to licensed (not certified) child care providers only.
Why is this important?
Radon is an odorless, colorless, naturally occurring gas that is the second leading cause of lung cancer. Testing and mitigating for radon protects the health of child care employees and of the children attending the child care facility. Lung cancer is more common in later life, so reducing exposure to radon over the lifespan is key for maintaining overall health of employees and the future health of children.
Best practices for testing for radon in child care settings
These best practices are based on the standards for radon measurement in homes and radon measurement in schools and large buildings, set by the American Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists (AARST).
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Family Child Care Centers |
Group Child Care Centers |
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| Definitions |
Refers to DCF 250 – Family Child Care Centers Many family child care centers are located in residential buildings. A “residential building” means a building that meets the definition of a “dwelling" in Wis. Stat. § 101.71(2). |
Refers to DCF 251 – Group Child Care Centers Many group child care centers are located in “commercial buildings." This means a building that is not a residential building and meets the definition of “place of employment” or a “public building” in Wis. Stat. § 101.01(11) or Wis. Stat. § 101.01(12). |
| Who should test my business for radon? | Use a certified measurement professional who holds a certification from the National Radon Proficiency Program (NRPP) or the National Radon Safety Board (NRSB) or test it yourself using a home radon test kit. | To test for radon in commercial buildings, the AARST standards recommends using a certified measurement professional who holds a certification from the National Radon Proficiency Program (NRPP) or the National Radon Safety Board (NRSB). While using a certified measurement professional is best practice for commercial buildings, it is not required in the rule change and you may test the building yourself using a home radon test kit. |
| What is the cost of testing for radon? | Radon testing with a home test kit can range from $10 to $30 per test. When using a certified measurement professional, the price can range from $125 to $150 for a residential building. The child care provider is responsible for the cost of testing. | Testing a commercial building with a certified measurement professional can range from $500 to $1,500. The cost of testing may vary depending on the size of the facility. The child care provider is responsible for the cost of testing. |
| Where should my building be tested for radon? | Test in lowest level of a building that is used by children in care for at least seven hours per week.* Follow the instructions included with a home test kit. | Test in lowest level of a building that is used by children in care for at least seven hours per week.* Best practices for testing for radon in schools and large buildings varies depending on the building. Use a certified measurement professional, or refer to the AARST standards for specific guidance. |
| When do I need to test for radon? |
Test within six months of March 1, 2023. Submit a copy of the test results to DCF. Test residential buildings every two years. Prospective child care providers must test for radon prior to obtaining a license after March 1, 2023. |
Test within six months of March 1, 2023. Submit a copy of test results to DCF. Test commercial buildings every five years. Prospective child care providers must test for radon prior to obtaining a license after March 1, 2023. |
Radon mitigation in child care
What steps should be taken if the radon level is above 4 pCi/L?
- Notify parents that the radon measurement test was elevated.
- A radon mitigation system must be installed within 12 months after the date of the radon measurement test above 4 pCi/L. Using a certified radon mitigation professional to install a mitigation system is highly recommended. Choose a radon mitigation company that holds certifications from NRPP or NRSB to ensure that the installer will follow the proper procedures and codes.
- After the mitigation system has been installed, test the building again. Submit the updated test results to DCF within 12 months after initial radon test to show that radon levels have been reduced to less than 4 pCi/L.
- Review the AARST standards for mitigation in existing homes and mitigation in schools and large buildings.
What funding is available for child care providers?
Payment program A of Child Care Counts
Resources for child care providers
- Certified radon mitigation professionals: Why it's important to hire one
- Learn more about radon.
- Contact your local Radon Information Center for radon test kits and information.
- Videos:
Trainings for professionals
Upcoming trainings
Dates for upcoming trainings will be listed here when available.
Previous trainings
DCF licensing staff:
- Radon Mitigation for DCF Licensing Specialists (Recorded on February 21, 2023)
- Overview of Radon in Wisconsin for DCF Licensing Specialists (Recorded on December 8, 2022)
- Overview of Radon in Wisconsin for DCF Licensing Specialists (Recorded on December 6, 2022)
Child care providers: