Radon is a colorless, odorless and tasteless radioactive gas that is formed from the natural radioactive decay of uranium found in many rocks, soils and water. It is a known human carcinogen. As the second leading cause of lung cancer behind smoking, it presents a serious health risk to those exposed.

Radon exposure is most dangerous where radon concentrations are confined, enclosed or restricted in a space such as a basement or utility service duct, and work spaces located on the ground floor of buildings also carry a specific risk. Health care facilities face special dangers because patients or employees may not leave the building for long periods of time, leading to low yet long-term exposure levels.

Employer Responsibility

You are responsible for protecting your patients as well as employees against the hazard of radon gas. Although the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires that employers test for hazardous atmospheres only before employees enter excavations deeper than four feet, testing levels in your facility could be a good loss prevention measure, as even small amounts can be harmful. If radon exposures are hazardous, employers must take adequate precautions to prevent employee exposure, including providing respiratory protection or ventilation.

Official OSHA regulations prohibit employee exposure to more than 100 picoCuries per liter (pCiL) of radon for more than 40 hours in any workweek of seven consecutive days. However, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends remediation when the radon level in a space is 4 pCi/L or higher, warning that levels still lower than this can pose a risk and should be reduced.

Radon Testing

Generally, you can test for radon yourself or use a qualified radon professional. Testing can be passive (using charcoal canisters or alpha-track detectors, which are relatively inexpensive and readily available) or active (using continuous radon monitors, which are used by radon professionals). Testing lasts a minimum of 48 hours and can exceed a period of 90 days.

Radon Mitigation Systems

A radon reduction contractor can evaluate the right radon mitigation systems for your workplace. New buildings can be protected during construction by installing a radon-proof membrane in the floor structure and creating a ventilated space under the floor called a “radon sump.” The right remediation method depends on the building design, construction materials and other factors.

Symptoms of Exposure

There are no discernable early signs of radon poisoning. However, you should always be mindful of early signs of lung cancer, which can be caused by continued exposure to radon gas. If any of your employees complain of a worsening cough, coughing up blood, chest pain, shortness of breath, wheezing or repeated respiratory infections, encourage them to see a doctor for diagnostic care and early detection.

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This is not intended to be exhaustive nor should any discussion or opinions be construed as legal advice. Readers should contact legal counsel or an insurance professional for appropriate advice. © 2025 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved.