Last time, you’ve learned that radon can be present anywhere, including homes and schools. But aside from these places, there could also be radon in the workplace. No matter how aesthetically pleasing a building is, you’ll never know you are safe from the cancer-causing gas without conducting a radon test. In this article, you’ll learn everything you should know about radon exposures in the workplace – what to do if there are high radon levels, and safety precautions you can apply to minimize the risks of radon exposures.

Radon in the Workplace: An Alarming Issue

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas. It can be present even indoors, such as in homes, schools, and workplaces. Knowing that radon levels are higher indoors than outdoors poses health risks to human lives. Based on WHO research, radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer. What’s worse is that people who smoke are more vulnerable to lung cancer when exposed to radon. 

WHO stated that the lower the radon level is in homes, the lower the risk of getting lung cancer. This is also applicable to workplaces. Therefore, https://radonresources.com/what-is-radon/ business owners and employees should aim to have a radon-free work environment. Doing so guarantees a cleaner and safer workplace, minimizing the health risks of radon exposure. Since radon concentrations are higher indoors, business owners and employees should impose strategies on how to lower radon levels and, if possible, make every workplace radon-free.

Reducing the Risks From Radon Exposure in the Workplace

Business owners and employees can be safe in the workplace by implementing regulations about radon. Several things can help in minimizing the health risks from radon in the workplace. Take a look at the tips below:

Be informed.

Provide the employees all information regarding radon levels in the workplace and their associated health risks. This way, everyone will be aware of the risk and perform safety precautions to minimize the adverse effects.

Create a radon program.

Implement a radon program that aims to reduce the individual’s risks to high radon concentrations. Every company should prioritize the safety of its employees.

Survey the workplace.

If you are a business owner planning to build a company, you need to have a physical survey of the location. This is applicable whether you are having a building from scratch or renting a workspace. Survey the workplace as well as the materials and equipment to be used. Determine the radon level and see if they pose health risks or not. If possible, try to make the work environment radon-free.

Conduct radon testing.

Develop radon measurement protocols that will help in keeping the quality and consistency of radon testing. Companies should prepare radon test kits that will be used in identifying the radon levels. Authorities can compare radon test kits and see which of them works the best. It would be best to use the same test kits because using different ones might affect the results.

Improve the ventilation system.

Radon levels vary from workplace to workplace. But no matter what the radon level is, it is essential to keep it as low and safe as possible. One thing that you can do to lower radon levels is by improving the ventilation system. This can be done by ventilating the crawlspace passively or actively, with the use of a fan.

Radon in the workplace is somehow prevalent not only in the United States but also in other countries. It is inevitable since radon is present anywhere. However, there are certain things that you can do to avoid its adverse effects. Considering the tips mentioned above can help you lower your chances of being exposed to the cancer-causing gas. Radon in the workplace can be prevented; that’s why business owners and employees should work hand in hand to create a safer and radon-free work environment.