The Importance of Radon Testing in Schools and Commercial Buildings

Are you taking the right steps to keep employees, staff, and students safe? Radon testing is a must for both schools and commercial buildings because it contributes to a healthier place for everyone. Long-term exposure to elevated radon levels can lead to lung cancer. Explore our products for commercial testing here.

Importance of Radon Testing

Radon testing involves placing testing devices in occupied rooms of a building to measure radon levels over a specific period. These tests provide accurate data on radon concentrations and help building owners make informed decisions regarding mitigation efforts.

Regular radon testing offers several benefits:

Health Protection: The primary goal of radon testing is to protect the health of occupants. By identifying elevated radon levels, timely action can be taken to reduce the risk of long-term health issues, particularly lung cancer.

Peace of Mind: Knowing that a building has been tested for radon and has acceptable levels provides peace of mind to both occupants and stakeholders.

Legal Compliance: In many regions, radon testing is becoming mandatory for certain types of buildings. Ensuring compliance avoids legal complications and demonstrates a commitment to occupant safety.

Cost Savings: Early detection of radon issues can lead to cost-effective mitigation measures. Delaying mitigation could result in more complex and costly solutions down the line.

Different Types of Commercial Buildings

Schools: Protecting Our Future

Schools are places of learning, growth, and development for future generations. Providing a safe and healthy environment for students, teachers, and staff is crucial. According to the EPA “one in five schools has at least one room with a short-term radon level above the action level of 4 picocuries per liter,” the level at which EPA recommends that schools take radon reduction measures. This equates to “more than 70,000 schoolrooms in use today that have high short-term radon levels.”

Radon testing in schools helps ensure that indoor air quality meets health and safety standards. Elevated radon levels can pose a significant risk, especially considering the extended hours students and teachers spend within these buildings. Schools can prioritize the well-being of everyone under their care by identifying and mitigating radon issues.

Fourteen US states currently require testing for radon in schools. These states include Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. Many states require that measuring for radon in schools be completed by a certified Radon Measurement Specialist. If radon levels are too high, then radon mitigation should be completed by a certified Radon Mitigation Specialist.

Commercial Buildings: Employee Health Matters

Commercial buildings, including offices, shopping centers, and other public spaces, accommodate large numbers of people daily. Ensuring the health and safety of employees, customers, and visitors is a responsibility that should not be taken lightly. Radon testing in commercial buildings is a proactive measure to minimize health risks associated with radon exposure. By identifying elevated radon levels early, building owners can implement effective mitigation strategies to maintain a healthy indoor environment.

Breathing Easy

Radon testing in schools and commercial buildings is not just a safety measure – it's a commitment to the health and well-being of occupants. Identifying and addressing radon issues ensures that indoor spaces are safe, healthy, and conducive to learning, working, and thriving. As we continue to prioritize the quality of our indoor environments, radon testing and mitigation stand as vital steps for indoor air quality programs.