The Importance of Radon Testing in Atlanta, GA

Is Your Health At Risk?

Radon is a dangerous, invisible and odorless, radioactive gas that occurs naturally from the uranium that is present in the Earth’s soil, rocks, and consequently, bricks and concrete. When radon is present in homes or businesses in high concentrated levels, it can become hazardous to people’s health, causing lung cancer and other health-related issues. It’s vital that if you reside or work in an area with elevated levels of radon, you get your home or business checked with a radon test.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Fulton County, Cobb County, Gwinnett County and DeKalb County are areas in Atlanta with elevated radon levels in the state of Georgia.

What do the colors mean?

RED Zone 1 counties have a predicted average indoor radon screening level greater than 4 pCi/L (picocuries per liter) – Highest Potential

ORANGE Zone 2 counties have a predicted average indoor radon screening level between 2 and 4 pCi/L – Moderate Potential

YELLOW Zone 3 counties have a predicted average indoor radon screening level less than 2 pCi/L- Low Potential

There are several factors that contribute to elevated radon levels. Not only does location play an important factor in the presence of radon, but temperature, time of day, season, and building construction are contributing factors as well. For instance, radon levels tend to test higher at night and during the winter months. Not only can radon be present in homes and offices, it can contaminate the water supply too. Many believe that areas with a higher granite concentration have higher radon concentrations. But, radon has also been discovered in areas that have a lower level of granite concentration. Therefore, it’s important to be cautious and approach radon testing as a case-by-case examination. You really can’t predict where high levels of radon could be lurking unless you have a property inspection that includes a radon test.

What is an acceptable level of Radon?

Second to smoking, radon is the leading cause of lung cancer around the world. It is estimated that 21,000 people die from exposure to high levels of radon alone. Since radon is a naturally occurring gas, it is nearly impossible to achieve a zero level radon testing. However, experts agree that the minimum level of radon in a home would range around 1.2 pCi/L, with 4.0 pCi/L being the peak point. Any radon level above 4.0 pCi/L is considered dangerous and potentially hazard to one’s health. If you are living or working in a structure that contains radon levels above the EPA’s limit of 4.0 pCi/L, it is equivalent to smoking a half a pack of cigarettes a day. The EPA suggests having homes in Georgia (regardless of age) tested for radon, especially those in the Atlanta metro region.

Who Can I Trust For Radon Testing In Atlanta, GA?

Champia Real Estate Inspections has been a trusted inspection company in Atlanta, GA for both residential and commercial real estate properties since 1987. In addition to superior structural and operation inspections, our inspectors are certified in radon and carbon monoxide testing as well. When it comes to the potentially life-threatening hazards associated with radon exposure, you are better safe than sorry. If you are currently searching for a home in the Atlanta real estate market, an Atlanta home inspection and radon test is a must for your family’s health and peace of mind.

^{Sources:  Environmental Protection Agency (http://www.epa.gov/radon/states/georgia.html)}

Download GEORGIA – EPA Map of Radon Zones