Everyone is entitled to clean air. Air pollution can cause a health risk and even lead to death. It is imperative to have the indoor air examined. The temperature and the relative humidity of a room is considered when evaluating the quality of indoor air. However, when doing this, most people often forget to check for the presence of Randon gas, a gas that is poisonous and notorious for lung cancer.
Why Test for Radon in Commercial Building?
Statistics show that more than 21,000 people in the USA perish each year from lung cancer caused by this toxic gas. This makes the gas the second most causing deaths from lung cancer after cigarette smoking. Given the qualities of the Randon gas, it is colorless and odorless thus hard to detect. This gas is very harmful when concentrated especially inside a building. There is a great need for Randon testing for commercial buildings and homes.
How Does Radon Get Into a Commercial Building?
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas. It is released by certain types of soils, rocks, and water and slowly builds up over time in commercial buildings and homes. The gas gets into the building when rocks underneath the building’s foundation release it. It can also find its way when the contaminated water leaks into the building through cracks and crevices. Though it can be found anywhere, it more prevalent in places with high Randon emitting materials. Granite countertops in the offices, and also the fill dirt that is used to prepare construction sites are notorious for the gas.
Commercial Radon Testing Protocol
Radon testing for commercial buildings ensures worker safety as employers are required by the law to provide and maintain safe and healthy workstations for their employees. The American National Standard Institute in partnership with the American Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists came up with the latest protocols for radon testing for commercial buildings. They recommend that testing should be carried out in all basement spaces. Such places include utility and storage rooms and the occupied areas above a garage.
Radon testing for commercial buildings may last for 48 hours. Closed-house conditions should be met to ensure no air from outside comes in from windows and doors. Also, the fan should not be turned off. Long-term testing takes up to 90 days.
