Georgia Radon Facts & Statistics
The Complete Picture of Radon Risk Across Georgia and Metro Atlanta
Comprehensive state-wide data reveals Georgia's radon challenge: thousands of homes with dangerous radon levels, low testing rates, and preventable lung cancer deaths—making professional radon testing critical for every Georgia homeowner.
Georgia Radon Overview
This comprehensive report compiles radon data from the EPA, Georgia Department of Public Health, and state radon programs to provide the most complete picture of radon risk across Georgia. The data shows that radon is a significant public health concern throughout the state, with elevated radon levels found in homes across all 159 counties—including every Metro Atlanta county.
Despite widespread radon risk, Georgia shows alarmingly low testing rates and radon awareness, resulting in hundreds of preventable lung cancer deaths each year. This report emphasizes the urgent need for increased radon testing, public education, and professional mitigation services across Metro Atlanta and beyond.
Critical Georgia Radon Statistics
Alarming State-Wide Data
- 400+ lung cancer deaths annually in Georgia attributed to radon exposure
- 1 in 15 Georgia homes estimated to have radon above 4.0 pCi/L
- Only 12% of Georgia homes have ever been tested for radon
- 88% of homeowners don't know if they're being exposed to dangerous radon
Metro Atlanta Data
- All Metro Atlanta counties are in EPA Zone 2 (moderate radon potential)
- 25-35% of tested homes exceed EPA action level (4.0 pCi/L)
- Older neighborhoods (pre-1990) show 40% higher radon prevalence
- Testing rates vary widely: 8-22% across different Atlanta counties
Health Impact Data
- Radon is the 2nd leading cause of lung cancer nationwide (after smoking)
- 21,000 Americans die annually from radon-induced lung cancer
- Non-smokers account for 2,900 radon-related lung cancer deaths annually
- Long-term exposure at 4.0 pCi/L creates lung cancer risk equivalent to smoking 1/2 pack daily
Mitigation Success Rates
- Professional mitigation reduces radon levels by up to 99%
- Most homes drop below 2.0 pCi/L after mitigation installation
- Mitigation systems have 20+ year lifespan with minimal maintenance
- Average mitigation cost: $1,200-$2,500 (one-time investment)
Why These Statistics Matter for Metro Atlanta Homeowners
The Radon Testing Gap Creates Preventable Risk
With only 12% of Georgia homes tested for radon, 88% of homeowners have no idea whether they're exposing their families to dangerous radon levels. In Metro Atlanta, where 1 in 4 to 1 in 3 tested homes exceed the EPA action level, this testing gap means thousands of families are unknowingly at risk.
Radon is a Silent Killer
Radon gas is invisible, odorless, and tasteless—you cannot detect it without testing. It causes no immediate symptoms, but long-term exposure damages lung cells and significantly increases lung cancer risk. Georgia sees over 400 radon-related lung cancer deaths each year, and many of these deaths are preventable with testing and mitigation.
Every Metro Atlanta County Has Radon Risk
The EPA classifies all Metro Atlanta counties—including Fulton, DeKalb, Gwinnett, Cobb, Forsyth, Cherokee, Clayton, Fayette, Henry, Rockdale, and Douglas—as Zone 2 (moderate radon potential). This means elevated radon levels are found throughout the region, regardless of specific neighborhood, home age, or foundation type. Testing is essential for every Metro Atlanta home.
Older Homes Face Greatest Risk
Homes built before 1990—common in established Atlanta neighborhoods like Buckhead, Decatur, Roswell, Marietta, and East Atlanta—were constructed without radon-resistant building codes. These homes show 40% higher radon prevalence than newer construction, yet are tested at significantly lower rates. If your home was built before 1990, testing is especially critical.
Radon Mitigation is Highly Effective
The good news: radon is a solvable problem. Professional mitigation systems reduce radon by up to 99%, with most homes dropping well below 2.0 pCi/L after installation. Mitigation is a one-time investment that protects your family for decades and increases your home's value by providing documentation of radon safety.
How Radon Enters Georgia Homes
Radon originates from the natural decay of uranium in soil and rock. Georgia's geology—including granite bedrock, gneiss, and weathered soil—produces radon gas that seeps into homes through common pathways:
Foundation Cracks and Gaps
Atlanta's expansive clay soil causes foundation movement and cracking. Radon enters through cracks in concrete slabs, basement walls, and block foundations.
Crawl Spaces and Basements
Unsealed crawl spaces and basements provide large surface areas for radon infiltration from soil beneath and around your foundation.
Construction Joints and Penetrations
Where floors meet walls, and where pipes, wires, and HVAC ducts penetrate foundations, small gaps create pathways for radon entry.
Sump Pumps and Floor Drains
Sump pits and floor drains in basements connect directly to soil and provide open pathways for radon unless properly sealed and vented.
Well Water (Less Common in Metro Atlanta)
Homes on well water can see radon released into indoor air through water use, though this is less common in Metro Atlanta where most homes use municipal water.
Recommended Actions Based on Georgia Data
Test Your Home Immediately
Georgia data shows 1 in 4 to 1 in 3 tested homes exceed safe radon levels. Testing is the only way to know if your family is at risk.
- Professional testing provides accurate, lab-certified results
- Test the lowest lived-in level of your home
- Conduct testing during heating season (November-March) for most accurate results
- Retest every 2 years or after major renovations
Understand Your Risk Level
Interpreting your radon test results correctly:
- Below 2.0 pCi/L: Low risk—retest periodically
- 2.0-4.0 pCi/L: Elevated—consider mitigation to reduce exposure
- 4.0-10.0 pCi/L: EPA action level—mitigation strongly recommended
- Above 10.0 pCi/L: High risk—immediate mitigation required
Install Professional Radon Mitigation
If testing shows radon above 4.0 pCi/L, professional mitigation is the proven solution. Our systems reduce radon by up to 99% and provide long-term protection for your family.
Educate Your Community
With only 12% of Georgia homes tested, radon awareness is critically low. Share your testing experience with neighbors, especially in older communities where risk is highest but testing rates are lowest. Public health depends on community action.
Why Choose Our Radon Services
Certified Professionals Following EPA Standards
Our team follows EPA protocols for all testing and mitigation work. We stay updated on Georgia radon research and best practices to provide the most effective service.
Proven Results with Post-Mitigation Verification
Every mitigation system we install is verified with post-mitigation testing. We don't consider the job done until your radon levels drop below 2.0 pCi/L—well below the EPA action level.
Local Metro Atlanta Expertise
We've installed hundreds of systems across Metro Atlanta and understand the unique geology, soil conditions, and construction styles of Georgia homes. We provide fast, professional service with most installations completed in one day.
Frequently Asked Questions
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