Has your place of work been tested for radon gas?

Radon is a radioactive gas that can be found in buildings, including offices, and can pose a risk to the health of employees if it is present in high levels. In the United States, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has established regulations to protect workers from exposure to radon in the workplace. OSHA requires employers to inform employees of the results of radon testing and any measures taken to reduce radon levels in the workplace.

Employees also have the right to request that their workplace be tested for radon.

Under OSHA regulations, employers are required to conduct radon testing in buildings that are likely to have elevated levels of radon, such as those located in areas with high radon concentrations or those with a history of radon problems. Employers must also take action to mitigate any radon levels that exceed the recommended action level of 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L).

Test for Radon! 

OSHA has established regulations to protect workers from exposure to radon in the workplace.

RADON FACTS

  • Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas.
  • Radon can cause lung cancer.
  • Radon can get trapped inside buildings.
  • The only way to know if you have radon in your building is to test.

You have the right to a sage and healthy workplace.

Employees have the right to be informed about the results of radon testing and any actions taken to address high levels of radon in the workplace. OSHA requires employers to inform employees of the results of radon testing and any measures taken to reduce radon levels in the workplace.

Employees also have the right to request that their workplace be tested for radon if they have reason to believe that radon levels may be elevated. Employers must provide information about how to request radon testing and must respond promptly to such requests.

Overall, employees have the right to a safe and healthy workplace, which includes protection from the risks associated with radon exposure. Employers are responsible for taking appropriate steps to ensure that radon levels in the workplace are kept at safe levels, and employees have the right to be informed about radon testing and any actions taken to address high radon levels.

"Employees have the right to be informed about radon testing and any actions taken to address high radon levels.”

Kelly, C 2023, Employee Rights Regarding Radon, Extension | University of Nevada Reno

Extension Associated Contacts

 

Also of Interest:

 
Radon in Real Estate - Continuing Education Flyer
The Nevada Radon Education Program (NREP) offers a three-hour continuing education (CE) course that is offered at Realtor broker offices. Contact the Nevada Radon Education Program 775-336-0252.
Kelly, C. 2022, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno. IP
Washoe County-Reno area Radon Potential Map - 2018
Use this map to find out the potential of radon exposure in Washoe County-Reno/Sparks area homes.
Kelly, C. 2022, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno. IP
White Pine County Radon Map
This is the radon map of White Pine County in Nevada. This shows Radon potential based on data collected from completed radon tests from 1989-2018.
Kelly, Christine 2022, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno IP
How Radon Gas Enters Homes
Radon can enter and collect inside almost any home or other building through dirt floors, hollow block walls, cracks in the foundation floor and walls, sump pumps, openings around floor drains, joints and foundation openings for pipes, sewers and other utility connections.
Howe, S. 2019, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno. IP
Radon Child Activity Page
This is an educational activity page for the Radon Education Program.
Christine Kelly 2024, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno
 

Associated Programs

photo of lungs with red and blue ventricles

Nevada Radon Education Program

The Nevada Radon Education Program is funded through a grant from the EPA to educate Nevadans about the health risk posed by elevated levels of radon in the home. The Extension program offers literature, educational presentations and low-cost radon test kits in many county Extension and partner offices.