Bledsoe County Mayor Gregg Ridley reported radon testing at the old Bledsoe County High School has resulted in the evacuation of the building. The building is currently being used by Southeast Tennessee Human Resource Agency (SETHRA) office and Sequtachie Valley Headstart.

While not dangerous, the levels are above what would be considered safe.

Radon is a radioactive gas with no smell, color, or taste, and is produced by the natural radioactive decay of uranium, found in all rocks and soils, and occasionally even found in water. Once radon gets into the air and decays it produces more radioactive particles.

SETHRA has temporarily moved to the Pikeville Municipal Building’s RIO room, and Headstart has arranged for children to receive services in Dayton with remote services available.