FAQ

Can radon affect apartment buildings?

Direct answer

Lower-floor apartments and units with concrete-slab construction or basement HVAC can have elevated radon. Multi-story upper floors typically have negligible levels. Test units in question.

More detail

Apartment radon profiles correlate strongly with unit position. Garden-level and first-floor units in Columbus buildings frequently test above 4.0 pCi/L because they sit directly on the slab with minimal isolation from soil gas. Second-floor units typically test in the 1.0-2.0 pCi/L range. Third-floor and above almost universally test below 1.0 pCi/L unless the building has a basement HVAC system that recirculates radon-laden air into the supply ducts (uncommon but documented). Multifamily property owners are not required by Ohio law to test or mitigate, though some institutional owners (university housing, senior-living) do test as part of risk-management protocols. Tenants in older Columbus apartment stock (the University District, Victorian Village, Old Towne East) on lower levels should consider testing, particularly during heating season. Columbus apartment-stock context: garden-level units in the University District, Victorian Village, Old Towne East, and Italian Village walkup buildings frequently test elevated. The Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority does not currently publish radon test results for its units. Tenants in low-income housing concerned about exposure can request the property manager test the unit; cost is low and many managers will accommodate.

Authoritative sources

  • US EPA

    Columbus and surrounding counties sit in EPA Radon Zone 1, the highest-risk classification.

  • EPA Citizen's Guide to Radon

    EPA recommends mitigation above 4.0 pCi/L and consideration of mitigation between 2.0 and 4.0 pCi/L.

  • Ohio Department of Health

    Ohio Radon Program guidance on testing, mitigation, and contractor licensure.

Ready to get started in Columbus?

NRPP-credentialed Columbus radon mitigation team serving Greater Columbus and Central Ohio since 2019. Mon-Sat 8am-7pm.

Call (513) 960-3089Text us