by James Herrin, Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent
Residents of Fulton County experience a higher risk of exposure to the second leading cause of lung cancer when at home. Radon is a naturally occurring gas that can build up inside the air in buildings. According to the US EPA, nearly 21,000 lung cancer deaths are attributable to radon annually in the US. Approximately one in five homes tested from Fulton County since 1990 had radon levels above the EPA’s Radon Action Level.
Radon is invisible and odorless. So, testing is the only way to determine if concentrations exceed safe levels. Test kits include everything you need to get an estimate of the levels in your residence. The test kit is placed in a building for three to seven days. The kit is then returned to the lab and results are emailed within seven to ten days.
Results can indicate that levels of radon are below the elevated risk threshold and no further action may be warranted. If levels are near the threshold, you may consider additional testing that measures the radon concentration over a longer period. If levels exceed the Radon Action Level, installation of a radon reduction system may be necessary to bring indoor radon levels down.
January is Georgia Radon Action Month! Now through Jan 31 get $5 off your online radon in air test kit order using coupon code NRAM2024 at checkout. You can order a kit from UGA Extension here.
UGA Extension has resources for you to learn more about testing and mitigation. You can also reach out to UGA Extension Fulton County if you have questions. Feel free to call 404-613-4920 (East Point office) or 404-613-7670 (Sandy Springs office) for more information.
Additional Resources on Radon
UGA Extension Radon Testing website
UGA Extension Radon Test Kit Order Form (Remember coupon code NRAM2024 at checkout)
Radon Mitigation Dos and Don’ts
Radon and Your Health from CDC
