The Importance of Radon Testing in Multi-family Apartments

​Radon can be a dangerous substance, particularly inside structures such as multi-family apartments. Radon 222, which originates in the uranium decay chain, is the radioactive particle causing radon gas problems in confined structures. These radioactive particles can subsequently get stuck in the lungs. In time, this lung radiation can turn into lung cancer.

Why is it Important to Test for Radon in Multi-family Apartments?

​As you can probably already guess – in order to mitigate the risk and ruin of radon-caused cancer – it is imperative for you or those who own and manage your multi-family apartment to test for radon and radon daughter particles. While it is possible to purchase either an home use active or passive radon detection kit via the hardware store in order to test for radon yourself, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends hiring qualified, professional help (such as the services Lifetime Radon Solutions, Inc. provides) – particularly in the circumstances of either buying or selling your multi-family apartment.

Common Radon Testing Methods

Radon water testing
Radon is a soil gas, meaning it is highly present in the soil underground and ultimately the water table. If you are on a private well or source your water from groundwater outside of a municipal water source, it is extremely important to test your water for radon.​

Real estate radon testing
As the EPA recommends, radon testing is crucial at any time – for the continued health and wellbeing of those residing in your multi-family apartment complex. However, radon testing becomes even more of a crucial health and safety factor on occasions when you are either buying or selling such apartment complexes, especially with multi-family loan contingencies. This way, you as a seller can reassure potential buyers all safety precautions have been taken. From the buyer’s point of view (and also the lender), this can only bring a renewed sense of peace of mind.​

Long-term radon monitoring
Long-term radon testing is especially important if a short-term radon test has already taken place and the radon levels are at or near the EPA action level. Moreover, because long-term radon testing averages more data points over a longer period of time, long-term testing is considered the most accurate form of radon testing. The downside of long-term radon testing is of course the time constraint. In certain situations, like real estate transactions for instance, time is of the essence and one may not have at least 91-days (the minimum amount of time to be considered “long-term” for radon testing).  ​

How do I know if it’s in my home/apartment?
Again, while it is possible to purchase various kinds of radon detection kits from your local hardware store, the EPA still recommends you seek out professional radon detecting contractors. This is where companies like Lifetime Radon Solutions, Inc. come in. Utilizing our employees’ professional training (and equally professional grade equipment!) – we are able to detect radon in a far safer, rapid, and more reliable manner than you ever could on your own.​

​Frequently Asked Questions

What is a safe radon level?
Radon is measured in picocuries per liter – otherwise known as pCi/L. According to the EPA, radon levels of 4 pCi/L or higher are hazardous to health. However, it is important to note even radon levels less than 4 pCi/L can still pose a risk. This risk can be mitigated by such professional grade equipment like radon mitigation systems – but even in such cases where these systems are deployed – it can remain difficult to reduce radon levels below 2 pCi/L.  

What are the symptoms of radon in your home/apartment?
​As health symptoms can vary from person to person – even before persons residing in your multi-family apartment complex begin to show signs of coughing, impacted lungs, or even having difficulty breathing at all – it is imperative you seek out professional radon testing, detecting, and mitigating help – as soon as possible!