to a lab, or the radioactivity inside will diminish. Windows are supposed to stay
shut during the test to keep radon from escaping.
It was impossible to ensure these steps happened consistently. Despite the
hurdles, the newsrooms still found radon.
Initial tests turned up high concentrations at 13 units in Denver, Huntsville and
Worcester. A second round con rmed high levels in seven of the apartments.
The Oregonian/OregonLive told of cials at the three housing authorities about
the high readings and provided addresses of tenants who agreed to share them.
None promised to conduct their own tests in response.
Gant, the former HUD of cial, said housing authorities have an obligation to act
under these circumstances.
“If the public housing authority was unaware, and you make them aware, then
they should start whatever steps are necessary to mitigate that danger,” he said.
“Especially if children are involved.”
Testing by Advance Local’s MassLive last year found radon in an apartment at Great Brook Valley Gardens in Worcester, Massachusetts. The unit was vacant as of
September, when a group of prospective tenants toured it.