Radon Inspections for Your Commercial Property

The potential for radon in commercial buildings should never be overlooked. Employees can spend eight hours or more a day at their place of work, and if radon levels are high, they are at risk of developing lung cancer and other serious illnesses.

Employers must make sure their workplace is safe and healthy; this includes testing for radon gas. There is no EPA-specified radon action level for commercial properties; however, we recommend applying the residential standard of 4 pCi/L.

Commercial Property Considerations

Commercial properties present unique challenges and considerations when it comes to radon inspections. Factors such as building size and layout, strong indoor flow with complex ventilation systems, distinctive structural features, multiple radon entry points, and shifting occupancy patterns can influence radon accumulation and dispersion. Therefore, it’s vital to employ skilled, accredited inspectors who are experienced in commercial radon testing to ensure accurate results.

Which Commercial Properties Do You Inspect for Radon?

We inspect all commercial properties, including:

Retail stores
Shopping malls
Churches
Office buildings
Administration buildings
Hospitals and clinics
Restaurants
Warehouses

We also inspect multifamily apartment buildings, schools, and homes.

Safeguard Your Employees’ Health with Commercial Radon Testing

Radon testing in Ohio commercial buildings is crucial because it not only safeguards employee health but also offers business benefits:

Improved Productivity: Radon exposure can lead to health issues that impact employee productivity and absenteeism.
Reduced Legal Liability: By promptly addressing radon problems, you minimize the risk of legal claims following radon-related health conditions.
Healthier Workplace: Professional radon testing and mitigation through Home & Commercial Inspection enhances the health and safety of your workplace, reducing exposure risks and creating a more comfortable environment for employees.

Get the Best Radon Inspection in Ohio!

We proudly provide the best commercial radon inspection in Ohio! For businesses, it’s important to protect your investment with a thorough inspection because most property owners are unaware of the dangers and prevalence of radon in our state. In some cases, Ohio business owners simply aren’t aware of the importance of a general inspection, so we strongly recommend including a commercial radon test as part of your property’s evaluation.

With over ten years of experience, Home & Commercial Inspections LLC is the best choice for Ohio area business owners looking for expert radon inspection services. Our licensed commercial radon inspectors have the knowledge and experience to quickly conduct a thorough inspection, so you can feel confident your business provides a safe and healthy environment for everyone.

What is Radon?

Is There a Safe Level of Radon?

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) has determined that a measurement of less than 4 picocuries per liter of air is a safe level. Once the concentration of radon reaches 4.0 pCi/L or above, the USEPA recommends that property owners take action to reduce the amount of radon and protect their health.

When inhaled or absorbed in small quantities (less than 4.0 pCi/L), radon is not considered a health threat. If testing reveals levels above the norm, further analysis is necessary. Both odorless and colorless, it is impossible to detect without special equipment, and prolonged exposure can lead to lung cancer.

Where Does Radon Come From?

Radon is a naturally occurring gas that occurs as part of the natural breakdown of uranium in the ground. This radiation is not always dangerous but can increase the risk of lung cancer, making it important to test your commercial property for radon levels. Exposure to radon can be a health threat if you are exposed to elevated levels. This includes well water, lakes, rivers and soil found near your property. Testing your commercial property for radon is essential because even low levels of radon exposure may impact a person’s health over time. That’s why every business needs to protect their employees with a commercial radon inspection in Ohio.

How Does Radon Affect the Body?

Radon is most associated with lung cancer. When inhaled, the particles attack the lungs, ultimately resulting in abnormal cells that multiply and form cancerous tumors in the lungs. The USEPA estimates that 21,000 people per year die of lung cancer caused by radon exposure. Among nonsmokers, it is the number-one cause of lung cancer.

How Does Radon Affect Smokers?

Smokers who are exposed to radon have a significantly higher risk of developing lung cancer. Years of smoking can damage the protective membranes that cover the lungs. Without the help of these membranes, the lungs are left more vulnerable to the harmful cancer-causing effects of radon. The statistics regarding exposure to high levels of radon, smoking, and lung cancer are frightening.

How Does Radon Enter My Business?

Hospitals Radon enters commercial buildings through cracks around the structure and holes in the foundation. As uranium, which naturally occurs in the soil, decays, it turns into radium and gives off radon gas. This odorless and colorless gas can easily seep through tiny cracks.

In addition, decaying matter can also attach to building materials, which means that low levels may be detected in drywall, granite countertops, and other areas of the property. Getting your foundation and crawl spaces inspected is part of the prevention process, but the only way to ensure your business is safe is to have the property specifically tested for radon.

How Do I Test for Radon?

The best option is to hire a highly trained and licensed expert to conduct the testing. A passive test kit might give you a general reading, but it is only a short-term solution. If high levels of radon are detected, you will have to invest in a professional inspection that will pinpoint the source of radon and make specific recommendations for reducing your exposure, ensuring radon gas remains at a safe level.

What Does a Radon Inspection Involve?

The good news is that conducting a professional radon inspection is relatively easy. A licensed inspector will use active devices that require power to function and continually monitor radon levels. These devices will be placed in the lowest level of the building that is used regularly. For the best results, the testing device should be set up in an open area. Placing it in a closet or other enclosed space may produce inaccurate results. Using active electronic devices will not only prevent but also detect test interference so inspectors can accurately read the results. Electronic testing devices are also useful because they will report any abnormalities or swings in radon levels, which can be caused by seasonal changes and other factors.

How Long Does a Radon Test Take?

At an absolute minimum, a radon-detecting device should be placed in the building for a full 48 hours. However, 90 days is still considered a short-term test. Often, a long-term test of over 90 days is used to confirm short-term test results and produce a report that includes seasonal variations. Property buyers may not have the luxury of waiting over 90 days for a radon test. In this case, any reading of 4 pCi/L or over should result in repairs being made to the building.

How Can I Lower Radon Levels in My Property?

The easiest way to lower radon levels is to seal any cracks and openings in the foundation. While this may prevent some radon gas from entering the building, the best way to significantly reduce levels and implement a long-term solution is to install what is known as a sub-slab depressurization system. These systems use a combination of vents and fans to direct radon gas away from the building. While the exact configuration of each system will vary according to the individual property and its specific challenges, you will never have to worry about making major changes or renovations. Any system can be easily installed.

What Areas in Ohio Are Radon Levels the Highest?

The prevalence of high radon levels varies across the state of Ohio. As you can see from the EPA Map of Radon Zones, much of the northern half of Ohio is labeled as Zone 2, which means that the EPA predicts indoor levels of radon gas to reach or exceed 4 pCi/L, which is the level they recommend taking action. Many of the southern counties and areas of the northwest are listed as Zone 3 areas, which have a low potential for radon gas.

Which Ohio Counties Have the Highest Concentration of Radon Gas?

As you can see from the map, many of Ohio’s centrally located counties are predicted to have the highest levels of radon gas concentration. This estimate is based on prior testing and environmental factors that produce radon.

While the areas marked in orange and yellow will generally have lower levels of radon gas, property owners in these areas should still have their commercial buildings tested and demand an inspection before purchasing.

Why Is Ohio at a High Risk for Radon Gas?

The state of Ohio is home to two unique geological formations that make its residents at an especially high risk of exposure to radon gas. Much of the state is covered in a shale outcropping. This special type of sedimentary rock contains organic materials that naturally break down and produce radon. In addition, Ohio was formed by glaciers that deposited sediment that is also known to be high in radon. Combined, these two factors create a perfect storm for producing high levels of radon gas in Ohio businesses.

Rely on Home & Commercial Inspections LLC for Radon Inspection Services

Having your business thoroughly inspected for radon gas is an important step in protecting your employees. A simple and inexpensive test can save lives. At Home & Commercial Inspections LLC, we have a team of licensed radon inspectors who are dedicated to protecting the health and well-being of Ohio residents. Our experts will conduct a thorough analysis of your building, present the findings in a way that is easy to understand, and make recommendations for how to improve your environment.