WHAT IS RADON? HOW DO I TEST FOR RADON?

Radon is a colorless, odorless gas that comes from Testing the air is the only way to know if you are
the decay of the natural radioactive element, being exposed to unsafe levels of radon.
uranium, found in some soils and rocks. Radon gas According to U.S. Environmental Protection
goes through radioactive decay and emits particles Agency about one in every 15 homes has a radon
that can be harmful to the human body, primarily level at or above the recommended action level. It
the lungs. It is the leading cause of lung cancer is possible for homes next door to each other to
among non-smokers. Radon can be found all over have different radon levels.
the United States in varying amounts. It can get
into any type of structure and build up, resulting in Testing is inexpensive and easy. Radon can be
a high indoor radon level. Radon gas enters a home from the ground detected with a simple test and fixed through
through cracks in the foundation. inexpensive and established methods.

RADON IN GEORGIA
HOW CAN I BE EXPOSED TO RADON? Radon exposure is preventable by
Radon gas is more common in northern Georgia testing indoor air, and taking
because of geology and soil composition. Most People can be exposed to radon from breathing air or proper measures to reduce
uranium in Georgia is found in this region, from drinking water. Radon is most harmful to
especially in the Metro Atlanta area. people when it is breathed in. Radon gets into homes
radon levels.
and other buildings through cracks or openings in the
Highest foundation. If not ventilated outside, radon can build There are many types of "do-it-yourself" radon
Moderate up indoors to harmful levels. test kits that you can get through the mail and in
Lowest hardware stores and other retail outlets. Or, you
Drinking water containing radon is much less of a can hire a certified contractor to do the test.
health risk than inhaling radon. However, radon can
also get into indoor air from water containing radon, You can test for radon by using both short term
mostly during bathing, cleaning, and cooking. tests (two to 90 days) and long-term tests (more
than 90 days). If you need results quickly, a short-
Radon gas is heavier than air. Small children are at term test followed by a second short-term test may
greater risk for radon exposure because they breathe be used. Long-term tests give a better
air closer to the ground where levels re highest, and understanding of radon levels in a home
they breathe a greater volume of air in relation to throughout the year.
their body size.
The National Safety Council offers
HEALTH EFFECTS OF RADON short- and long-term radon test kits and
includes laboratory analysis and return
Radon causes lung cancer. More than 20,000 postage. Kits can be ordered from the
Americans die of radon-related lung cancer every Helpline at (800) 557-2366.
The potential for elevated levels of
year. If you smoke, your risk of lung cancer from More information is available at
radon for Georgia counties.
. radon exposure is much higher. www.epa.gov/radon/radontest.html.
REDUCING RADON LEVELS RADON AND
Radon cannot be removed or destroyed, but should
be vented to outdoor air. Homes with radon test FOR MORE INFORMATION
PUBLIC HEALTH
results at or above the recommended radon action
level of 4 picoCuries per liter (pCi/L) of air are
considered high and should be fixed.

Seal cracks and openings in a building’s Georgia Department of Public Health

foundation to prevent radon from entering. Open Healthy Homes and Lead Poisoning
windows and use exhaust fans to reduce exposure Prevention Program
until permanent ventilation improvements are (404) 657-6534
completed. If necessary, a radon reduction system www.health.state.ga.us/programs/lead
can be permanently installed.

To speak to a radon reduction expert, please

contact the National Radon Proficiency Program,
the leading certification program for radon
professionals in the United States. They can be The University of Georgia
contacted through their Web site: at www.neha- Cooperative Extension
nrpp.org or by phone at (800) 269-4174. Radon Education Program
1-800-ASK-UGA1 GEORGIA HEALTHY HOMES
SAMPLE RADON REDUCTION SYSTEM www.fcs.uga.edu/ext/housing/radon AND LEAD POISONING
PREVENTION PROGRAM

Environmental Health Section

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Radon Program
www.epa.gov/radon

The contractor should inspect your home's

structure before giving you an estimate.