Commercial Radon Testing ServicesAs the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers, radon gas poses a threat to everyone regardless of age, race, or gender. There is a misconception that radon is only a threat in residential homes, however this is very much not the case. Commercial buildings such as schools, warehouses, offices, and factories are all at risk of harboring elevated levels of radon gas. Radon is a noble gas which means that it cannot be seen, smelled, or touched, therefore the only way to know if your commercial property has a radon issue is to perform a radon test. Lifetime Radon has offered radon inspection services for over two decades with many of our customers being business owners. Currently we offer three types of radon tests for commercial buildings which can be tailored to fit your needs.
Here are the radon testing options that we offer: Charcoal radon testing: Can be used to test multiple areas of the building while keeping the cost low. Charcoal tests take a little bit longer to get a test report because they need to be shipped to the lab after use, but are generally the first option for most initial testing situations.
Digital radon testing: The fastest and most accurate way to test for radon in any type of building. Our digital testing monitors are calibrated yearly for accuracy and can produce test results in as little as 48 hours. Lifetime Radon has access to over 40 digital testing monitors, so we can tailor to your needs no matter what the size of your building is. Long term canister testing: Long term radon testing is generally used if the property has already been previously tested and the results of the initial test were sort of on the border of where you would want to take action. Long term radon tests allow you to get a sample size ranging from six months all the way to a full year.
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What is Radon and Where Does it Come From?
Radon is a radioactive gas that forms from the breakdown of uranium in the soil. Once formed, it rises from the soil to dissipate into the air. Generally the outdoor air level for radon gas ranges from 0.4pCi/L to 0.7pCi/L which is generally considered safe. The issue with radon gas comes when radon has nowhere to dissipate. When a structure blocks it’s path up from the soil, radon will find a way inside to continue rising.
Radon gas can seep into a structure through cracks in the floor, open crawl spaces, sump crocks, and even pores of the concrete. Once inside, radon tends to stay put with nowhere else to go, and will start to build up. It takes approximately 4 days for radon gas to dissipate on its own inside of a structure, but the problem is that it is constantly rising. If there is not a radon mitigation system venting it out before it has a chance to get in, the trapped radon gas will stay constant.
In the graphic on the right, you can see the many different entry points that radon gas can take into a home or a commercial structure.
Radon gas can seep into a structure through cracks in the floor, open crawl spaces, sump crocks, and even pores of the concrete. Once inside, radon tends to stay put with nowhere else to go, and will start to build up. It takes approximately 4 days for radon gas to dissipate on its own inside of a structure, but the problem is that it is constantly rising. If there is not a radon mitigation system venting it out before it has a chance to get in, the trapped radon gas will stay constant.
In the graphic on the right, you can see the many different entry points that radon gas can take into a home or a commercial structure.
How Does Radon Affect Humans?
During the decay chain of radon gas, it produces what are known as radon daughters. Radon daughters are radioactive particles that can attach to dust, water vapor, and smoke in the air, which is what makes them dangerous. If inhaled over a long period of time, these radioactive particles will cause damage to the lining of the lungs which in turn can cause lung cancer. The EPA estimates that around 21,000 Americans die every year from lung cancer caused by radon gas exposure. That is 48.8 times the amount of deaths caused by carbon monoxide poisoning. Radon gas is not something to ignore as we spend most of our time indoors working, sleeping, and spending time with family. Radon is a silent killer and could be lurking in your commercial property. Don’t wait to take action, give us a call today to set up a test!
Radon Testing Near Me
No matter where your building is located in the country, you should be taking steps to prevent radon exposure. While there are some areas in the country that are at a lower risk, the EPA stressed the importance of radon testing no matter where you are located. There are many companies that offer radon testing for residential homes, but not as many that offer radon testing services for commercial properties as well. Lifetime Radon’s commercial radon testing and mitigation team is certified by the National Radon Proficiency Program (NRPP) and the American Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists (AARST) to test for radon in schools, office buildings, warehouses, multifamily structures, apartments, factories and more. Give us a call today to set up a radon test for your property, and take the first step to a healthier indoor air environment!