Radon 101 — What Commercial Property Owners Need To Know

If you recently acquired a commercial property, you probably already know that there are certain guidelines you're required to follow per various municipal, state, and federal laws — but you may be unclear of how this relates to the possible presence of radon gas in your building or buildings. Here's what you need to know: 

Radon is a naturally occurring, radioactive gas that is produced by the breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water. It can enter buildings through foundation cracks and other openings, and long-term exposure to high levels of radon can increase the risk of lung cancer. 

Testing for radon in commercial properties is important because it allows the building owner or manager to determine whether there are elevated levels of radon present and, if necessary, take steps to mitigate the risk to occupants. Radon testing can be performed using passive or active radon detectors, and it is typically recommended to test for radon at least once every two years, especially in buildings that are frequently occupied by people, such as offices, schools, and apartments.

There are several potential benefits to testing for radon in commercial properties, including:

Protecting the Health and Safety of Building Occupants ​ 

By identifying and addressing elevated levels of radon, building owners can help to reduce the risk of lung cancer and other health problems associated with long-term radon exposure.

Meeting Regulatory Requirements

Building owners may be required to test for radon as part of local, state, or federal regulations. Testing can help to ensure that the building is in compliance with these requirements. At the federal level, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has established a permissible exposure limit (PEL) for radon of 4 picocuries per liter of air (pCi/L) in the workplace. Additionally, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends that building owners take action to reduce radon levels in buildings with levels above 4 pCi/L.

Reducing Liability

By taking steps to identify and address radon in the building, building owners can help to reduce the risk of potential legal liability if occupants experience health problems related to radon exposure.

Overall, testing for radon in commercial properties is an important step in ensuring the health and safety of building occupants and reducing the risk of liability for building owners. you local commercial property radon service will be able to provide radon testing for your property and inform you of applicable city, county, and state laws and regulations. 

For more info, contact a company like Cardinal Construction Services LLC.