Georgia DPH Radon Health Guidelines

Official State Health Recommendations

Georgia DPH guidelines represent the official state position on radon health protection. These recommendations are based on scientific research, EPA standards, and Georgia-specific radon data collected over decades. Following these guidelines protects your family and provides documentation for real estate transactions and insurance purposes.

Radon is a Serious Georgia Public Health Concern

Georgia DPH classifies radon as a preventable public health risk responsible for over 400 lung cancer deaths annually in Georgia. The department's guidelines emphasize that radon exposure is entirely preventable through testing and mitigation—making radon one of the few cancer risks you can eliminate in your home.

All Georgia Homes Should Be Tested

Georgia DPH recommends universal radon testing regardless of EPA zone classification, home age, or foundation type. This recommendation applies to all Metro Atlanta counties—including Fulton, DeKalb, Gwinnett, Cobb, Forsyth, and beyond. Radon levels vary significantly from home to home, making testing the only reliable way to determine your family's risk.

Professional Mitigation is Essential

Georgia DPH guidelines emphasize hiring certified radon mitigation professionals for all mitigation work. DIY mitigation attempts often fail to reduce radon effectively and can even make problems worse. Certified professionals follow EPA protocols, use proven techniques, and verify results with post-mitigation testing.

Real Estate Transaction Guidance

The guidelines recommend radon testing as part of all real estate transactions. Buyers should request radon testing during home inspections, and sellers should provide radon test results or documentation of successful mitigation. This protects both parties and ensures informed decision-making.

Step 1: Test Your Home

Georgia DPH recommends professional radon testing for all homes. Testing is quick, affordable, and the only way to know your radon level.

• Contact certified radon testing professionals
• Test lowest lived-in level (basement if you have one)
• Conduct testing during cold weather months for accuracy
• Keep windows and doors closed during testing

Step 2: Evaluate Your Results

Georgia DPH follows EPA action level guidance:

• Below 2.0 pCi/L: Low risk—retest periodically
• 2.0-4.0 pCi/L: Consider mitigation to reduce exposure
• 4.0+ pCi/L: Mitigation recommended
• 10.0+ pCi/L: Immediate mitigation required

Step 3: Hire Certified Mitigation Professionals

If testing shows elevated radon, Georgia DPH recommends hiring certified radon mitigation contractors who follow EPA protocols and state standards.

Step 4: Verify Mitigation Success

Georgia DPH guidelines require post-mitigation testing to verify radon levels have dropped below 4.0 pCi/L (preferably below 2.0 pCi/L). Retest annually to ensure continued system effectiveness.