UGA Extension Research

Gwinnett County Radon Level Analysis

University of Georgia Research Reveals Radon Risks in Georgia's Second-Largest County

UGA Extension's comprehensive radon study in Gwinnett County found elevated radon levels in homes across Lawrenceville, Duluth, Suwanee, and surrounding communities—making professional testing essential for all Gwinnett County homeowners.

Study Overview

The University of Georgia Extension conducted extensive radon testing and research across Gwinnett County, Georgia's second-most populous county with over 950,000 residents. The study analyzed radon levels in homes throughout Lawrenceville, Duluth, Suwanee, Buford, Snellville, Lilburn, Norcross, and other Gwinnett communities to assess radon risk and inform public health recommendations.

Findings confirmed that Gwinnett County homes face moderate to elevated radon risk, with many tested homes exceeding the EPA action level of 4.0 pCi/L. The research emphasized that radon levels vary significantly across the county due to differences in geology, soil composition, and home construction—making testing the only reliable way to determine radon levels in any specific home.

Key Findings from This Case Study

Radon Level Data

  • Approximately 30% of tested Gwinnett homes showed radon above 4.0 pCi/L
  • Average radon level across tested homes: 3.2 pCi/L
  • Some homes tested as high as 15+ pCi/L—nearly 4x the EPA action level
  • Older neighborhoods (pre-1990) showed higher average radon concentrations

Geographic Patterns

  • Northern Gwinnett (Suwanee, Buford) showed slightly higher radon prevalence
  • Homes near granite outcrops and older geological formations had elevated risk
  • Basement and crawl space homes tested higher than slab-on-grade construction
  • Radon levels varied widely even within the same neighborhood

Why This Matters for Gwinnett County Homes

Your Gwinnett Home May Be at Risk

With nearly 1 in 3 tested homes showing radon above the EPA action level, Gwinnett County homeowners face significant radon risk. Whether you live in Lawrenceville, Duluth, Suwanee, Buford, or any other Gwinnett community, professional radon testing is the only way to know if your family is being exposed to dangerous radon levels.

Gwinnett's Rapid Growth and Older Housing Stock

Gwinnett County experienced explosive growth from the 1970s through the 2000s, resulting in a mix of older homes built without radon-resistant construction techniques and newer developments that may still have radon issues. The study found that older homes (built before 1990) showed higher average radon levels, but even newer homes can have elevated radon if built on radon-producing soil.

Geological Factors in Gwinnett County

Gwinnett County sits on varied geology, including granite bedrock, gneiss formations, and weathered soil that can produce radon gas. Areas in northern Gwinnett near the foothills showed slightly higher radon prevalence, but radon was found throughout the county. The UGA Extension study confirmed that radon risk exists everywhere in Gwinnett—not just specific zones.

Foundation Types Common in Gwinnett

The study found that basement and crawl space homes—common in many established Gwinnett neighborhoods— tested higher for radon than slab-on-grade homes. Basements and crawl spaces provide large surface areas for radon entry through cracks, gaps, and exposed soil. If your Gwinnett home has a basement or crawl space, testing is especially important.

Real Estate Implications

Gwinnett County's hot real estate market means homes change hands frequently. The UGA Extension research emphasized that radon testing should be part of every home purchase or sale in Gwinnett. Buyers deserve to know radon levels before closing, and sellers can increase home value by proactively testing and mitigating if necessary.

How Radon Enters Gwinnett County Homes

The UGA Extension study identified common radon entry pathways in typical Gwinnett County home construction:

1

Basement and Crawl Space Entry

Many Gwinnett homes, especially those built in the 1980s and 1990s, have basements or crawl spaces. Radon gas seeps through exposed soil, block walls, and foundation cracks in these below-grade spaces, then rises into living areas through HVAC ducts, stairs, and floor penetrations.

2

Slab Foundation Cracks

Homes on slab foundations—common in newer Gwinnett developments—can still have radon issues. Georgia's clay soil expands and contracts with moisture, causing slab cracking. Radon enters through these cracks, construction joints, and utility penetrations.

3

Sump Pump Pits and Floor Drains

Homes with basements often have sump pump pits and floor drains that connect directly to soil beneath the foundation. Without proper sealing, these openings provide direct pathways for radon gas to enter your home.

4

HVAC and Ductwork

HVAC systems in basements or crawl spaces can draw radon gas from below-grade areas and distribute it throughout your home. Leaky ductwork amplifies this problem, spreading radon to every room.

Recommended Actions for Gwinnett County Homeowners

Test Your Gwinnett Home Now

The UGA Extension study confirmed that radon is a real concern throughout Gwinnett County. Testing is quick, affordable, and the only way to know your home's radon level.

  • Professional testing provides lab-certified results you can trust
  • Test the lowest lived-in level (basement if you have one)
  • Cold weather testing (November-March) provides the most accurate results
  • Retest every 2 years or after major renovations or foundation work

Understand Your Test Results

Interpreting your radon test results correctly 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—professional mitigation recommended
  • Above 10.0 pCi/L: High risk—immediate mitigation required

Remember: 30% of tested Gwinnett homes exceeded 4.0 pCi/L, so there's a real chance your home needs mitigation.

Install Professional Radon Mitigation

If your test shows radon above 4.0 pCi/L, our certified radon mitigation systems reduce radon by up to 99%. We specialize in Gwinnett County homes and understand the unique construction and geological challenges of the area.

  • Sub-slab depressurization for slab and basement homes
  • Crawl space encapsulation and ventilation systems
  • Sump pump sealing and radon barrier installation
  • Post-mitigation testing to verify effectiveness

Real Estate Considerations

If you're buying or selling a home in Gwinnett County, include radon testing in your transaction. Buyers should request testing during inspections, and sellers can add value by testing proactively and providing documentation of low radon levels or successful mitigation.

Why Choose Our Radon Services in Gwinnett County

Local Gwinnett County Expertise

We've installed hundreds of radon mitigation systems throughout Gwinnett County—in Lawrenceville, Duluth, Suwanee, Buford, Snellville, Lilburn, and beyond. We understand Gwinnett's geology, housing stock, and construction styles, allowing us to design the most effective mitigation systems for your specific home.

Certified and Experienced Professionals

Our team follows EPA protocols for all testing and mitigation work. We stay updated on the latest radon research, including the UGA Extension studies, to provide the best service to Gwinnett families.

Proven Results with Verified Performance

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. We provide written documentation for your peace of mind and future real estate transactions.

Fast, Professional Service

We respond quickly to Gwinnett County homeowners and complete most mitigation installations in just one day. Our systems are designed to be quiet, unobtrusive, and blend with your home's exterior. We provide ongoing support to ensure your system continues to protect your family for years to come.

We Serve All Gwinnett County Communities:

Lawrenceville
Duluth
Suwanee
Buford
Snellville
Lilburn
Norcross
Dacula
Grayson

Frequently Asked Questions

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