Something’s in the Air (and It’s Not Justice)

Washoe County’s Historic Second Judicial District Court

Has all that radon at the historic Washoe County Courthouse been quietly swept under the rug—or just vented out a window and called “handled”?

For months, Washoe County has been doing what it does best: talking about the problem while calling it “naturally occurring” and “limited to certain areas.” Translation: “Don’t worry your little lungs about it.” But according to one of our inside sources, who requested anonymity (and probably a hazmat suit), the County is now planning to install a mechanical exhaust system to suck out the radioactive gas—at a cost of about half a million dollars.

We checked in with the one commissioner who still believes the courthouse is more than just a backdrop for press conferences—Mike Clark. He confirmed he’s heard about the new exhaust system and its hefty price tag. “Look,” Clark said, “I don’t mind spending the money—the radon needs to be remediated—but when will my fellow commissioners make building a new courthouse a priority?” So far, a homeless campus and a mental health facility have leapfrogged the courthouse on the ‘importance list.’”

Clark added that one judge described the current exposure levels as being “like getting chest X-rays every day.” And considering how many people—judges, lawyers, defendants, county employees, and residents—cycle through those halls weekly, that’s not just hot air.

So, while the County gears up to install their shiny new “let’s-hope-it-works” exhaust system, one can’t help but wonder: if this were any other building, would the County still be calling it naturally occurring—or would they be calling a demolition crew?

Because right now, the only thing more radioactive than the courthouse basement might be the silence coming from most of the County Commission.

Justice may be blind, but apparently, it’s also breathing radon.