Georgia Homes Remain at High Risk for Unsafe Radon Levels
January Is National Radon Action Month; Residents Encouraged to Register for Free Zoom Session on January 29
January is National Radon Action Month, a timely reminder for Georgia homeowners to learn about and test for radon, an odorless and invisible gas that can pose serious health risks when it accumulates inside homes. Radon forms naturally when uranium in soil and rock breaks down and can seep into homes through foundations, reaching dangerous levels without any warning signs. The only way to know if radon is present is through testing.
Long-term exposure to elevated radon levels significantly increases the risk of lung cancer. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, behind smoking. About one in fifteen homes nationwide has radon levels at or above the EPA action level of 4 picocuries per liter; however, homes in Georgia are much more likely to have elevated radon levels than the national average.
Granite-rich soil found throughout much of Georgia increases the risk of radon intrusion. In some counties, as many as one in two homes tested has an elevated level of radon. The University of Georgia Radon Program recently updated its statewide radon risk map, allowing residents to explore radon risk by county. The interactive map is available at radon.uga.edu and shows that most counties north of Columbus, Macon, and Augusta have radon risks well above the national average.
“Regardless of where your home is located or how it is built, radon can be a concern,” officials emphasize. “Testing is the only way to protect yourself and your family.”
In recognition of National Radon Action Month, residents are encouraged to take action by attending a free Zoom educational session on January 29 hosted by the Fayette County Extension Office. The session will be led by Rebecca Cantrell, UGA Radon Educator, who will share information about radon, explain why Georgia homes are at higher risk, and discuss practical ways to reduce exposure and protect your family.
Registration information:
To sign up for the January 29 Zoom session, visit the Upcoming Adult ANR Events section of the Fayette County Extension website at extension.uga.edu/Fayette.
For more information about radon and testing resources, visit radon.uga.edu.