Radon testing and mitigating in large buildings such as schools, commercial buildings and apartment buildings is much more complex than a simple residential home. It requires additional knowledge about structural features, HVAC systems, how occupancy can affect radon levels and more.
Schools and Daycares
A nationwide survey of radon levels in schools estimates that nearly one in five has at least one schoolroom with a short-term radon level above the action level of 4 pCi/L (picoCuries per liter) - the level at which EPA recommends that schools take action to reduce the level. EPA estimates that more than 70,000 schoolrooms in use today have high short-term radon levels.
​
The only way to determine if a problem exists is to test for it. Having your school tested for radon is something you may want to discuss with your school officials. Because as real as the threat of radon is, the good news is that the problem can be solved.
Multi-Family Buildings, Apartments and Condos
Multi-family housing that receives HUD financing or re-financing will require radon testing. If the test results show radon concentration above the actionable level of 4 picocuries per liter, a radon mitigation system must be installed in the housing unit to bring down radon concentration to an acceptable level.
Commercial Buildings
Because these larger buildings are built very different than a typical residential home, designing and installing a mitigation system in these large buildings requires additional testing and evaluation to ensure the radon levels are lowered effectively and efficiently.