News / ‘High levels’ of radon gas lead to closure of indoor space at Aith school
“HIGH levels” of radon gas have been detected in an area of the Aith Junior High School, leading it to be closed to staff and pupils.
Shetland Islands Council confirmed an “indoor space” at the school had been closed off because high levels of radon have been detected “through routine testing”.
The area is believed to be a music cupboard at the Aith school, which parents have said staff and pupils are no longer allowed to use.
Radon gas is a naturally occurring gas which is colourless, odourless and tasteless, usually formed by the decay of small amounts of uranium found in rocks and soil.
The SIC said it can “enter and accumulate in buildings” naturally.
Long term exposure to radon, particularly in high concentrations, can lead to health concerns.
Shetland Islands Council said a specialist company from the Scottish mainland will investigate during the school summer holidays, and will “put measures in place to reduce the levels of radon gas present”.
Meanwhile representatives from the SIC will hold a meeting with the Aith parent council tonight (Tuesday) about controversial plans to transform school cupboards into rooms for pupils with additional support needs (ASN).
Parents ‘disgusted’ by plans to use Aith school cupboards for ASN pupils
Aith parents have strongly criticised the SIC’s plans for a £1.3 million “enhanced provision” hub in the West Mainland.
The move would see a quiet area, time out and sensory rooms mixed into the middle of the Aith Junior High School, next to secondary classrooms.
However a proposal to change windowless cupboards into rooms for ASN pupils was heavily criticised, as well as a move to introduce a social area for secondary pupils between the main ASN area and changing facilities.
The SIC had also been criticised for a lack of consultation on the plans, but will now meet the Aith parent council tonight to address their concerns.
Education and families chairman Davie Sandison, speaking to BBC Radio Shetland on Friday, apologised for the way that the plans had been communicated to parents.
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