Understanding Radon in Georgia: Why Testing Is a Smart Move for Atlanta Homeowners

Meta Description: Radon is a hidden health hazard in many Georgia homes. Learn why Atlanta homeowners should consider radon testing, how it works, and how it could protect your family's long-term health.

Introduction:

Let’s be honest—when most Atlanta homeowners think about indoor hazards, radon probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. Mold? Sure. Lead paint? Maybe. But radon? It sounds like something from a high school science textbook.

Unfortunately, it’s not just theoretical.

Radon gas is colorless, odorless, radioactive, and can silently accumulate in your home—especially in places like Georgia.

And here’s the kicker: According to the EPA, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. Right behind smoking. And the only way to know if your home has elevated levels is with testing.

In this post, we’ll cover everything Atlanta and Marietta homeowners need to know about radon testing:

• What radon is and why it's dangerous

• Why Georgia homes are especially at risk

• How radon enters your home

• How to test for it (and what the results mean)

• Why testing during a home inspection makes sense

• Georgia-specific radon maps and data

Let’s uncover the facts—because what you can’t see can hurt you.

What Is Radon?

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that forms when uranium breaks down in soil, rock, and water. It rises through the ground and can enter homes through:

• Foundation cracks

• Sump pits

• Floor-wall joints

• Gaps in crawlspaces

• Even well water

Once inside, it can become trapped and accumulate to unsafe levels, especially in basements and crawl spaces—which are common throughout Atlanta homes.

Why Should Georgia Homeowners Care About Radon?

Here’s where it gets real.

According to the Georgia Department of Public Health, over 30% of homes tested in the state show elevated radon levels. That number jumps even higher in North Georgia and parts of metro Atlanta—including areas like Marietta, Sandy Springs, and Roswell.

Factors that make Georgia homes vulnerable:

• Soil composition – Georgia’s granite-based soil contains uranium that decays into radon.

• Foundation styles – Crawlspaces and basements are common entry points.

• Poor ventilation – Atlanta’s humid climate often leads to tightly sealed homes, trapping radon inside.

• Age of homes – Many homes in Atlanta and its suburbs were built before radon awareness became widespread.

How Radon Enters Homes in Atlanta

Radon doesn’t barge in—it seeps. And homes in Marietta, Smyrna, Decatur, and similar clay-heavy terrain are prime candidates.

Radon gas can enter your home through:

• Cracks in the foundation

• Construction joints

• Floor drains

• Gaps around plumbing penetrations

• Exposed dirt in crawlspaces

Once in, it can get trapped indoors and slowly accumulate over time. Unlike carbon monoxide, which causes immediate symptoms, radon exposure builds up silently over years.

Health Effects of Radon Exposure

Radon is measured in picocuries per liter (pCi/L). The EPA action level is 4.0 pCi/L—anything above that and mitigation is strongly recommended.

Long-term exposure to high radon levels has been linked to:

• Increased risk of lung cancer

• Especially dangerous for smokers and children

• No visible symptoms until it’s too late

According to the EPA, radon causes about 21,000 lung cancer deaths per year in the U.S. That’s more than drunk driving or house fires.

How to Test for Radon in Georgia Homes

You have two main options:

1. Short-Term Test (2–7 days):

Great for real estate transactions or a quick check. Best if placed in the lowest livable level of the home, with windows and doors closed for accuracy.

2. Long-Term Test (90+ days):

Provides a more accurate year-round average. Recommended for homeowners not under contract.

Professional Radon Testing

Hiring a certified home inspector—like Reynolds Home and Property Solutions—ensures the test is properly placed, interpreted, and documented. We use continuous radon monitors (CRM) for fast, accurate results, ideal for real estate inspections in Atlanta, Marietta, and surrounding suburbs.

Radon Zones in Georgia: Are You at Risk?

The EPA's Radon Zone Map divides Georgia into three risk categories:

• Zone 1 (Red): High Risk – Includes counties in North Georgia, like Cobb, Gwinnett, and parts of Fulton.

• Zone 2 (Orange): Moderate Risk – Covers central Georgia, including parts of Dekalb and Clayton.

• Zone 3 (Yellow): Low Risk – Coastal and southern areas, though still not risk-free.

📍 Marietta, Kennesaw, Roswell, and Smyrna all fall into Zones 1 and 2.That means radon testing should be routine, not optional.

🔗 View Georgia Radon Risk Maps (EPA)

Should I Test for Radon When Buying a Home in Atlanta?

Absolutely.

In a real estate transaction, radon testing:

• Can be done during your due diligence period

• Provides leverage to negotiate mitigation if levels are high

• Gives peace of mind before moving your family into the home

If you’re buying a home with a finished basement or crawlspace, the risk is even higher.

What If the Radon Level Is High?

Don’t panic.

Radon mitigation systems are effective and relatively affordable. They typically include:

• A PVC ventilation pipe that runs from beneath the slab or crawlspace to the exterior

• A fan that pulls radon from the soil and vents it outside

• Sometimes crawlspace encapsulation is recommended for added protection

Average cost in Georgia?$800–$2,000, depending on the home’s size and foundation.

Once installed, levels drop dramatically and safely.

Georgia’s Radon Laws and Recommendations

• There are no state laws requiring radon disclosure during a home sale in Georgia—but sellers must disclose known environmental hazards.

• The Georgia Department of Public Health encourages testing during every real estate transaction.

• Builders are encouraged (but not required) to follow Radon-Resistant New Construction (RRNC) standards, per IRC Appendix F.

Real Example: A Hidden Hazard in East Cobb

We recently inspected a stunning home in East Cobb. Great schools, great lot, gorgeous renovation. The buyer was hesitant to add radon testing, but chose to for peace of mind.

Results? 7.1 pCi/L. Nearly double the EPA action level.

The sellers had lived there 10 years, unaware. A simple mitigation system was installed before closing, and now the family has both peace of mind and healthy air.

FAQ: Common Questions About Radon Testing in Georgia

Is radon a problem in warm climates like Georgia? Yes. Radon has nothing to do with temperature—it’s about soil composition and home ventilation.

Can I do a DIY radon test? You can buy one at a hardware store, but professional testing is faster, more accurate, and valid for real estate contracts.

Do homes on slabs have radon? Yes. Slab-on-grade homes in Marietta and Atlanta still allow radon to enter through slab cracks, pipe penetrations, and joints.

How often should I test? Every 2–3 years, or after any major renovation or HVAC change.

Final Thoughts: Radon Testing = Smart Preventative Care

Radon may be invisible, but its risks are anything but small. Testing is easy, affordable, and a no-brainer for homebuyers and longtime residents alike—especially in radon-prone areas of Georgia.

Just like a termite inspection or sewer scope, radon testing is a small investment for major peace of mind.

Ready to Test Your Home for Radon?

At Reynolds Home and Property Solutions, we offer fast, certified radon testing in Atlanta, Marietta, Roswell, Smyrna, Decatur, and nearby areas. Whether you’re buying a home or just want to know your family is safe, we’ve got you covered.

👉 Schedule today at www.reynoldshomeandpropertysolutions.com