Radon detected at 12 Bridgeport schools

Bridgeport (WTNH) -  

At least a dozen schools in Bridgeport have discovered the presence of radon above acceptable levels.

Word of elevated levels of radon in 11 of the Bridgeport schools has parents uneasy. "It's scary," said parent Maria Soto. "I am concerned; really it's scary."

Radon is a colorless, odorless, naturally-occurring gas that can cause lung cancer. Law requires schools to test for radon.

Results found levels at Central High School were more than three times that of what is deemed acceptable. City officials say parents should not worry; there are plans to remediate with venting systems.

"We are being proactive in getting remediation done," said Director of Building Operations Jorge Garcia. "We are well within our one year window of getting remediation done."

It was back in May that Bridgeport received results showing elevated levels of radon in some schools. And, it was Wednesday that a letter went home with some students. Now parents are asking, "why the five month delay?"

"It's a long time," said parent Richard Payton. "Should have been more recently. I don't know why they waited for so long before they are talking about something like this."

"I would like to know what is going on with my kids at their school," said parent Dalianette Guzman. "To not know, to wait from May to October, it's ridiculous. We should have know before that."

School officials don't know for sure when the remediation work will begin. But, one things for certain: for parents, it can't be soon enough.

"They should have done this when the kids were out for summer vacation and not waited until they came back," said parent David Morales.

The schools are: Central High, Beardsley, Classical Studies Academy, Dunbar, Harding High, Marin, Read, Bridgeport Learning Center at Sheridan School, Skane, South End School, Park City Academy and Make the Grade at Whittier School, and Winthrop.