If you live on the second, third, or even tenth floor of your apartment building, you may assume you’re safe from radon exposure. After all, radon comes from the ground… so how could it possibly reach you?
That assumption could be dangerous.
The truth is, radon gas doesn’t stop at the ground floor. In fact, depending on how your building is designed, upper-level units may still have elevated radon levels—and some might be worse than basement units.
Here’s why.
What Is Radon—and Where Does It Come From?
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that forms in soil and rock. It enters buildings through tiny cracks in the foundation, sump pumps, plumbing, and even porous concrete. It’s completely invisible, has no smell, and is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S.
How Radon Moves Upward in Apartment Buildings
Radon doesn’t just stay in the basement. Here’s how it travels:
1. The Stack Effect
Warm air rises. As heated air escapes from the top of a building, it pulls cooler air—and radon—from the lower levels upward. This natural “chimney effect” can spread radon to upper floors quickly, especially in sealed buildings.
2. Shared Ventilation Systems
Many apartment buildings have interconnected HVAC systems. If one unit has high radon, shared air ducts can carry it throughout the building—yes, even to the top floor.
3. Building Materials and Construction
Radon can even come from the concrete or materials used in construction. Poor ventilation, energy-efficient sealing, and lack of mitigation systems make it worse.
So, What Floor Is Safe from Radon?
Unfortunately, no floor is guaranteed radon-free without proper testing. The EPA recommends testing all homes and units below the third floor—but that doesn’t mean higher floors are safe. In multi-unit buildings, they’ve found elevated levels even on higher floors, especially when air circulation is poor.
What Can Renters Do?
- Ask your landlord or property manager if the building has been tested for radon.
- Use a short-term radon test kit in your own unit. They’re affordable and reliable.
- Request professional testing from a certified service like EnviroPro 360—especially if you live in Georgia or South Carolina, where radon levels can be high in certain counties.
- Don’t assume newer buildings are safe. Some of the tightest-sealed, most energy-efficient apartments are actually the worst at trapping radon inside.
Protect Your Health—No Matter What Floor You Live On
Radon gas doesn’t care if you have a great view or not—it moves wherever airflow allows. If you’re renting an apartment, especially in areas like Augusta, Aiken, Columbia, or Greenville, radon testing is a smart step to protect yourself and your family.
At EnviroPro 360, we offer professional radon testing for apartments, condos, and multi-unit buildings across Georgia and South Carolina.
Don’t wait until it’s too late—schedule your radon test today and breathe easy, no matter what floor you’re on.
