Radon: What Walton County homeowners need to know

Guest Column by Jake Conner – UGA Walton County Extension

Radon is an invisible, odorless and naturally occurring radioactive gas that can pose serious health risks when it accumulates inside a home. It forms naturally as uranium in soil and rock breaks down and can enter homes through cracks and openings in foundations. Because Georgia’s geology and soil composition can contribute to elevated radon levels, testing your home is an important step in protecting your family.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States and is responsible for approximately 21,000 deaths each year. Because radon cannot be seen, smelled or tasted, testing is the only way to know whether your home has elevated levels. Any home can have a radon problem, including newly constructed homes and homes in neighborhoods where nearby houses have tested low.

Recent testing highlights the importance of testing in Georgia. In August, Walton County recorded the highest reported radon level at 14.9 picocuries per liter (pCi/L). The EPA recommends taking action to reduce radon when levels are 4.0 pCi/L or higher. Approximately one in three homes in Walton County have elevated radon levels, demonstrating that radon can be a significant concern for local homeowners.

Fortunately, testing your home’s air for radon is simple and affordable. Short-term radon test kits are available through the UGA Radon Program for $15, including the cost of shipping and laboratory analysis. Walton County residents may also purchase a short-term test kit at UGA Walton County Extension Office for $10. A test can provide valuable information about the air your family breathes every day.

For homeowners who rely on private well water, there is another reason to consider testing. Radon can occur naturally in groundwater and can enter a home through well water. UGA Extension recommends that homeowners on well water regularly test their water and provides resources and testing services to help identify naturally occurring elements and other contaminants.

If elevated radon levels are found in your home’s air, mitigation systems can be installed to safely vent radon outdoors and reduce exposure. If radon is found in well water, additional testing and appropriate treatment may be recommended.

Testing for radon is a simple step that can provide important peace of mind. Whether you own an older home or a newly built one, live in an area with known elevated levels or simply want to know more about your home’s indoor air, test your home for radon. It could help protect your family from a serious health risk.

Local Resources

UGA Walton County Extension can provide local information and assistance related to radon education and household health. Walton County Extension’s Family & Consumer Sciences programming includes radon education.

For general questions about radon testing and the UGA Radon Program, contact UGA Radon at ugaradon@uga.edu or 706-583-0602.