Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas released from soil and rock. It moves upward through the ground and enters buildings through foundation cracks, floor drains, sump pits, and utility openings. Once inside, it can accumulate—especially in lower levels or enclosed spaces—and long-term exposure carries serious health consequences.

Health officials radon contributes to about 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year in the United States, making it the second leading cause of lung cancer overall and the leading cause among people who have never smoked.

Where Time Indoors Shapes Risk

Radon risk is less about job title and more about time spent inside buildings.

Healthcare professionals working extended shifts. Manufacturing teams operating near ground level. Construction crews occupying newly enclosed or temporary structures as projects progress. In each case, exposure potential increases simply because people are present for long stretches in spaces where radon can build up.

Environmental data that nearly 1 in 15 U.S. homes has elevated radon levels, and similar conditions have been documented in schools, hospitals, offices, and industrial facilities across all 50 states. Radon levels can vary widely—even between buildings next door to one another—making testing the only reliable way to understand risk.

A Hidden Risk That Builds Over Time

Radon’s impact isn’t immediate. Its risk grows gradually, over years of exposure, which is why public health experts emphasize early identification and control.

To put the risk in human terms: for every modest increase in long-term radon exposure, the chance of developing lung cancer rises noticeably. International health authorities that sustained exposure at higher levels can raise lung cancer risk by roughly 15–20%, depending on duration and concentration—similar to adding another long-term health risk into the environment where people spend much of their working lives. From a workplace perspective, that makes radon a measurable and manageable risk—especially when addressed early.

“Radon often comes into focus during renovations, expansions, or changes in how space is used,” said Eric Austin, Risk Management Expertise at 91şÚÁĎÍř. “Those moments create a natural opportunity to test, assess, and address exposure as part of a broader safety conversation.”

From Testing to Confidence

Public health guidance is consistent on one point: testing is the only way to know radon levels. Short-term tests offer an initial snapshot, while long-term testing provides a clearer picture of ongoing exposure. Radon exposure at work most often occurs in areas closest to the ground—such as basements and lower levels—particularly where ventilation is limited. Because radon has no smell or visible warning signs and levels can change over time, periodic testing of occupied ground-level spaces is essential.

When elevated levels are identified, proven mitigation techniques—such as improved ventilation or sub-slab depressurization systems— indoor radon levels by as much as 99% when properly designed and installed. Reviewing test results against established action levels helps organizations determine when these straightforward steps can significantly reduce exposure and protect employees’ long-term health.

At 91şÚÁĎÍř, Risk Management teams help agents and policyholders consider environmental risks like radon alongside more familiar workplace hazards. That may include guidance on when testing makes sense, how to interpret results, and how indoor air quality fits into broader risk management strategies for construction, manufacturing, and healthcare operations.

This is where awareness turns into confidence—and prevention becomes practical.

A Week to Reassess What Matters

Radon Awareness Week is a reminder that workplace safety extends beyond what’s visible or immediate. It includes the conditions people experience every day, over time, inside the buildings where work gets done. Organizations that address radon proactively protect long-term health, strengthen trust with employees, and demonstrate leadership that looks beyond the obvious.

To learn how 91şÚÁĎÍř’s Risk Management experts can help you assess and address radon risks in the workplace, visit 91şÚÁĎÍř.com or connect with your Risk Management expert.

The information provided in this newsletter does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal or financial advice; instead, all information, content, and materials contained in each article are for general informational purposes only.

Silica exposure is a serious threat to nearly 2 million U.S. workers. The final rule has outlined key provisions for protecting workers from exposure while providing net benefits of about $7.7 billion each year. The new standards take effect on June 23, 2016. , businesses have one to five years to reach compliance.

What is Respirable Crystalline Silica?

Crystalline Silica is a basic component of soil, sand, granite and many other minerals. Anyone who chips, cuts, drills and crushes objects that contain crystalline silica, including concrete, is at risk. Abrasive blasting, foundry work, stone cutting, rock drilling, quarry work and tunneling are among the highest risk jobs. What happens is the crystalline silica dust enters the lungs and causes the formation of scar tissue – which hinders the lungs’ ability to take in oxygen.

OSHA previously established what is known as a Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) of – or the amount of crystalline silica to which workers may be exposed to in an eight-hour work shift. OSHA also required communication training and a respirator protection program until engineering controls were implemented to effectively reduce the amount of exposure. The final rule sets actual dates for implementing the proper controls and further reduces the PEL for respirable crystalline silica to 50 micrograms per cubic meter of air over an 8-hour work shift.

According To , Companies Must…

• Use engineering controls (such as water or ventilation) to limit worker exposure to the PEL.
• Provide respirators when engineering controls cannot adequately limit exposure.
• Limit workers access to high exposure areas.
• Develop a written exposure control plan.
• Offer medical exams to highly exposed workers.
• Train workers on silica risks and how to limit exposures.

Additionally, the new rule provides medical exams to monitor highly exposed workers and gives them information about their lung health. It also provides flexibility to help employers protect workers from silica exposure. This last provision was added to help all businesses, but especially small businesses, reach compliance.

If you are unsure whether or not your business needs to consider Respirable Crystalline Silica and the new standards set forth by the final ruling, complete this from The Center for Construction Research and Training. If you have even more questions, . From construction to healthcare and manufacturing, our expertise is reducing risk and keeping employees safe in all work environments.