The Key to Solving the Radon Issue: Education and Preparation

In the scientific community, the dangers posed by radon gas are well known. In the general population, however, the same is not true. As a result, overexposure to radon leads to more than 21,000 avoidable deaths each year in the US alone.

Radon exposure can happen in any facility where the gas is allowed to accumulate. Consequently, efforts to monitor, measure, and mitigate the exposure to this radioactive gas should be an element of every organization’s employee well-being strategy.

Human performance technology practices can assist with radon issues by bringing a systemic approach to education, monitoring, and mitigation efforts. The approach commonly taken by HPT professionals of deploying a full range of interventions in partnership with qualified practitioners can ensure that the deadly side effects of radon overexposure are avoided.

Solving the radon issue requires education

Education and awareness are the first steps. All stakeholders in the organization should understand the threat radon poses and the efforts needed to avoid exposure to high concentrations.

A comprehensive education program should explain that radon is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas. It is created through a radioactive decay process, during which uranium breaks down to form radium. As radium — which is also radioactive — breaks down, it transforms into radon.

Some uranium is found in virtually all water, soil, and rocks. Consequently, its breakdown ultimately releases radon into the air. In outdoor environments, where it rapidly dilutes into the atmosphere, it is generally not harmful. Typical measurements show 14.8 becquerels per cubic meter (Bq/m³) of radon in outdoor air.

When radon is permitted to accumulate in indoor spaces, however, it can become dangerous. As it is inhaled, it is trapped in lung tissue and can lead to cancer. Experts recommend levels above 100 Bq/m³ be addressed.

Radon enters workspaces and other structures through cracks in foundations and walls. Because radon is a noble gas, it cannot be filtered out by HVAC systems. It can quickly accumulate to dangerous levels if ventilation systems cannot provide adequate dilution air. 

The radioactive nature of radon is what makes it a health threat. Airborne alpha radiation attacks the lung tissue by disrupting the chemical bonds in the cells, causing genetic damage. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer, estimated to be responsible for between 3 and 14 percent of all cases.

Avoiding radon exposure is simple, but requires preparation

Radon detection involves collecting air samples and analyzing them for traces of the deadly element. Traditional detectors capture samples in activated charcoal over a 2- to 7-day period. The samples are then sent to a lab for analysis. The downsides of this method include the brief period during which it collects readings — experts recommend readings be taken during a three-month to a one-year period.

Advances in technology have led to the development of digital monitors that use pulse-counting ionization chambers to detect radon. These monitors dramatically improve the effectiveness of radon detection. Industry-leading devices provide initial readings in as little as 10 minutes, with reliable measurements in an hour and readings that are more than 90 percent accurate within 10 hours.

Radon monitors also allow long-term readings to be taken and tracked for variations. Smart monitors connect with software platforms to show average concentrations of radon in the test site for the day, week, month, and year. They can also reveal areas within a structure where radon levels are highest.

Ongoing radon monitoring is important because environmental changes can cause dramatic shifts in radon levels. Outdoor temperatures, barometric pressure, and occupant activity can also cause fluctuations in the amount of radon entering the structure. A one-time reading, especially if it involves a short-term sample collection, can provide a measurement that does not accurately represent the typical amount of radon in the air.

Smart technology also improves radon monitoring efforts by empowering real-time alerts when readings reach a certain level. Alerts can be sent to mobile devices, allowing off-site remote monitoring. They can also provide quick links to information explaining radon levels in non-technical language that laypersons can understand and interpret, including recommended actions for lowering one’s exposure. Addressing radon accumulation requires the application of best practices.

If readings indicate the average indoor radon is at or above the recommended 200 Bq/m3 action level, mitigation is highly recommended The simplest strategy for commercial buildings involves improving ventilation within the structure. Fans and HVAC systems can be used to improve the flow of air, decreasing radon levels by diluting it with non-contaminated air.

Another common method, particularly for single-family residences is called Active Soil Depressurization. These systems draw radon from under and around the foundation of the structure with a suction pipe and inline fan that exhausts the gas to the outdoors.

Prior to engaging in any mitigation strategy, monitoring devices should be used to establish benchmark readings. As the strategy is put into effect, ongoing monitoring is critical for establishing its effectiveness.

There are a number of certifications that have been created to assist in identifying professionals who are qualified to assist with radon detection, monitoring, and mitigation. They include Radon Measurement Professionals, Radon Mitigation Specialists, and Radon Mitigation Installers. In addition, most provinces provide radon inspector certifications.

As businesses seek to include radon monitoring in employee well-being efforts, they should ensure they seek the aid of certified and qualified professionals. There are many radon mitigation standards, including those issued by the Canadian National Radon Proficiency Program, and the American Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists ANSI-Accredited Radon Standards Consortium. Any professional enlisted to help in radon-related work should have expertise in those standards.

Radon exposure is a life-threatening danger that cannot be ignored. The key to neutralizing the danger is education and preparation. By adopting a systemic approach to measuring, monitoring, and, where necessary, mitigating its accumulation, organizations can ensure they incorporate radon safety into their overall employee well-being commitment.