Why And How You Should Test Your Commercial Property For Radon

Radon is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas that can cause lung cancer if inhaled over a long period of time.  Produced by the natural decay of uranium in rocks, soil, and water, radon can seep into buildings through cracks and openings in the foundation. The gas is a leading cause of lung cancer and is responsible for thousands of deaths each year.

Here is a bit of information about why and how you should test your commercial property for radon.

Why Should You Test Your Property for Radon?

If you own or manage a commercial property, such as an office building, a school, a hotel, or a multifamily housing complex, you have a responsibility to protect your employees, customers, tenants, and students from the health risks of radon exposure. Thus, you should test for the gas every couple of years to ensure that radon levels are acceptable.

What Can You Expect From Commercial Radon Testing?

Commercial radon testing is different from residential radon testing. It is important to hire a licensed radon professional who has experience with commercial testing.  For accurate results, the process must be completed properly.

The size of the property and the number of rooms in the building will determine the number of testing devices needed to obtain accurate results. A radon-testing device will need to be placed in each unit or room inside the building. The testing devices should not be touched or moved by anyone other than the professional.

To ensure the results of radon tests are reliable, certain conditions should be maintained during the testing process. For accurate testing, the following should be in place:  

• You should keep every door and window closed for the designated period before the tests are delivered.
• You should avoid using any fireplaces once testing starts.
• You should only allow occupants to enter and exit the structure through normal means throughout the testing process.
• You should ensure that the building's doors are only permitted to briefly remain open during the radon tests.
• You should avoid using any large fans or other equipment that could add fresh air while the testing is taking place.

To make sure testing can be completed as scheduled, the radon specialist will explain the testing procedure to the property owner as well as to any occupants living or working in the building.

Commercial radon testing can preserve your peace of mind and protect you from unnecessary liability. If you would like to have your property tested, contact a radon specialist such as Cardinal Construction Services LLC.