When testing a shared building, what conditions are required to ensure accuracy?

In the context of testing for radon in shared buildings, it is essential to consider all portions of the building to ensure accurate measurements. Radon is a colorless, odorless gas that can seep into buildings from the ground, and its concentration levels can vary significantly between different areas and levels of a building.

Testing only the dwelling being assessed can overlook potential radon entry points and variations in concentration on other floors or in adjacent areas. For instance, if lower levels of the building have high radon levels, this could affect the overall exposure of occupants in the dwelling being tested, even if that specific unit shows acceptable levels.

By measuring radon levels in all portions of the building, including common areas, basements, and adjacent units, a more comprehensive understanding of the radon dynamics within the building is achieved. This approach helps identify potential contamination sources and ensures that any mitigation efforts address the entire building rather than individual units in isolation.