Radon Testing For Businesses | What You Need To Know

Radon is a naturally occurring gas found in any building, no matter how new or old it is. Though invisible and odorless, radon can be extremely harmful to your health if it's present at high levels. Therefore, it is crucial for business owners to have their properties tested for radon on a regular basis to protect their employees. Here's everything you need to know about radon testing for businesses.

What is Radon?

Radon is a radioactive gas that is formed when uranium breaks down in the soil, water, and air. It's present all over the world and can be found in homes, offices, schools, and hospitals. However, because it's invisible and odorless, the only way to know if radon is present in a building is to have it tested by a professional.

What are the Health Risks Associated With Radon?

Exposure to high levels of radon gas can lead to lung cancer. In fact, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that radon is responsible for 21,000 lung cancer deaths every year in the United States. That's why it's so important for business owners to have their buildings tested for radon on a regular basis.

How Is a Radon Test Performed?

In a residential setting, a radon test is placed in the basement or lowest level of the home for a day or two. The test cannot be disturbed, and most experts recommended that the basement door be closed with limited access to the area in order to prevent disruption of the test.

In a commercial setting, however, radon testing for businesses can get a little more complicated. Not only is there much more square footage to test, but keeping a large workforce away from the testing areas can be difficult. For that reason, testing for radon over the weekend is your best bet.

What Is an Acceptable Radon Level for a Business?

Experts recommend taking action when the radon level at your business is "above 4 pCi/L." You can do this by installing a radon mitigation system that will help reduce the level of radon present through ventilation with outside air.

If you're a business owner looking to protect your employees from the harmful effects of radon, be sure to schedule radon testing for your building on a regular basis. With the right testing and mitigation strategies in place, you can rest easy knowing that you are doing everything you can to keep your team safe and healthy.