House Bill 820 was introduced Monday, April 13 by State Rep. Kellie Deeter, R-Norwalk and would require Ohio schools to test for radon.
Radon is a naturally occurring odorless, colorless and radioactive gas that enters buildings from the basements and concrete beneath them. It is the leading cause of lung cancer in nonsmokers, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
All Bexley schools were tested for radon in January and February, Superintendent Jason Fine said. Gandee & Associates, an engineering firm, conducted the testing, which cost $20,982, and results are expected soon.
He said school records do not specify when testing was last performed.
“Bexley Schools last tested for radon before 2009,” he said. “The law that was in effect between 2005 and 2009 required testing in schools at least every five years, so we expect that testing was done during that time period.”
HB 820 would provide $14 million to help districts fund radon testing, according to the draft introduced to the Ohio House in April. It would also grant homeowners a tax credit for installing a radon mitigation system.
The bill was drafted in response to a Columbus Dispatch investigation into radon failures throughout Ohio.
According to the Dispatch’s “Invisible Killer” investigation, Ohio is behind other states in radon testing and mitigation efforts. At least 11 states require radon testing in schools and 13 require testing in daycares, but Ohio does not require any kind of regular testing or mitigation.
From 2003 to 2020, there were 3543 radon tests in Columbus, with an average result of 7.00 picocuries per liter, according to the Ohio Department of Health. The Environmental Protection Agency recommends a radon mitigation system be installed for results of 4 picocuries per liter or more.
Fine explained the district has not yet established when future radon testing will take place in anticipation of the test results.
“I believe we need to see that information before we can determine a schedule for our next testing, aside from any future state mandates,” he said.
Published and digitized May 2026.
