Georgia Radon Testing Disparities Report

The Testing Gap Crisis

With only 12% of Georgia homes tested for radon, an estimated 88% of Metro Atlanta homeowners have no idea whether their families are being exposed to dangerous radon levels. The EPA estimates that 1 in 15 homes nationwide has elevated radon, meaning thousands of Atlanta-area homes likely exceed safe levels—but most families will never know without testing.

Older Homes at Greatest Risk

The study found that homes built before 1980—common throughout established Atlanta neighborhoods like Buckhead, Decatur, East Atlanta, and Virginia-Highland—are tested at dramatically lower rates despite having the highest risk. These homes were built without modern radon-resistant construction techniques, creating pathways for radon entry through foundation cracks, sump pumps, and unsealed crawl spaces.

Geographic and Demographic Disparities

The report identified significant disparities in radon testing based on income, race, and geographic location. Communities in South DeKalb, Clayton County, and parts of Cobb County show testing rates below 8%, while affluent areas in North Fulton and Forsyth County exceed 20%. This gap means vulnerable populations face disproportionate radon exposure without the resources or awareness to protect themselves.

Real Estate Transaction Opportunities

The study emphasized that home sales and purchases represent the most common time for radon testing. However, many Atlanta-area transactions proceed without radon testing, especially in lower-priced markets where buyers may waive inspections. This creates a missed opportunity to identify and mitigate radon before families move in.

Step 1: Test Your Home Immediately

The American Lung Association recommends all Georgia homes be tested for radon, regardless of age, location, or foundation type. 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 tests during cold weather months when radon levels peak
• Retest every 2 years or after major renovations

Step 2: Interpret Your Results

Understanding your radon test results is critical:

• Below 2.0 pCi/L: Low risk, but retest periodically
• 2.0-4.0 pCi/L: Elevated—consider mitigation to reduce exposure
• Above 4.0 pCi/L: EPA action level—mitigation strongly recommended
• Above 10.0 pCi/L: High risk—immediate mitigation required

Step 3: Install a Radon Mitigation System

If your test shows radon above 4.0 pCi/L, professional mitigation is the proven solution. Our certified radon mitigation systems reduce radon levels by up to 99%, protecting your family immediately.

• Sub-slab depressurization systems are effective for slab and basement homes
• Crawl space encapsulation and ventilation for crawl space homes
• Installation typically completed in 1 day
• Post-mitigation testing confirms system effectiveness

Step 4: Educate Your Neighbors and Community

The study found that radon awareness is lowest in the communities most at risk. Share your testing experience with neighbors, especially in older neighborhoods and communities with lower testing rates. Public health depends on community action.