Comprehensive Guide to Radon Testing in Atlanta Homes

When it comes to safeguarding your family’s health, understanding radon testing is paramount. For homeowners in Atlanta, Georgia, knowing about radon  a colorless, odorless radioactive gas  can make the difference between safety and risk. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive into the intricacies of radon testing, why it's essential, choosing a qualified Atlanta home Inspector. So, buckle up as we embark on this enlightening journey!

Understanding Radon: The Invisible Intruder

What is Radon?

Radon originates from the natural decay of uranium in the soil, rock, and water. As it seeps through cracks in floors and walls, it can accumulate in homes, particularly in basements and crawl spaces. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that radon causes approximately 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year in the United States, making it a significant health concern for homeowners.

Health Impacts of Radon

The stakes are high when it comes to radon exposure. Prolonged exposure to elevated radon levels can lead to lung cancer, especially in smokers. According to the American Cancer Society, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking, with an estimated 1 in 15 homes in the U.S. containing elevated radon levels. Given these alarming statistics, it's essential for Atlanta homeowners to prioritize radon testing.

IHI Atlanta Home Inspection - What is Radon

Radon Services and Information

Radon Gas Information and Why you Should Get a Radon Test

The Importance of Radon Testing

Why Test for Radon?

Testing for radon is crucial for several reasons:

  • Health Protection: Early detection can save lives by allowing homeowners to take appropriate action.

  • Property Value : Homes with radon issues can decrease in value; a radon test is often a condition of sale in real estate transactions.

  • Peace of Mind: Knowing your home is safe provides peace of mind for you and your family.

When to Test

It's advisable to test your home for radon during real estate transactions, renovations, or after significant weather events, like heavy rain, that can alter radon levels. Winter months can also be an ideal time to test, as homes are typically sealed and radon concentrations may be higher.

Types of Radon Tests

  • Short-Term Tests: These tests last from two days to a week and provide quick results. They are ideal for preliminary assessments.

  • Long-Term Tests: Conducted over several months, these tests offer a more comprehensive view of radon levels in your home.

The Radon Testing Process

Step-by-Step Overview

1. Scheduling the Test:

Choose a time when the home is closed up for the best results.

2. Equipment Set-up:

The inspector will place the testing device in the lowest livable area of your home.

3. Collecting Data:

After the testing period, the inspector will retrieve the device for analysis.

Understanding the Results

Radon levels are measured in picocuries per liter (pCi/L). The EPA recommends action if radon levels are 4 pCi/L or higher. Your inspector should help interpret these results and recommend next steps.

Follow-Up Actions

If your test indicates elevated radon levels, mitigation is necessary. This can involve installing a radon reduction system to lower the gas concentration in your home.

Radon Mitigation Solutions

Overview of Mitigation Techniques

Radon mitigation typically involves:

  • Active Soil Depressurization: A common method where a fan is installed to draw radon from beneath the house and vent it outside.

  • Sealants: Sealing cracks in floors and walls can help reduce radon entry.

Choosing a Mitigation Contractor

When selecting a radon mitigation contractor, consider their experience, certification, and warranty offers. The average cost of radon mitigation in Atlanta ranges from $800 to $2,500, depending on the home's size and the complexity of the installation.

Case Studies and Testimonials

Real-Life Examples

Consider the story of a family in Atlanta. They discovered high radon levels during a routine inspection. After installing a radon mitigation system, their radon levels dropped to safe thresholds, providing peace of mind and enhancing their home's value. Such stories highlight the importance of proactive radon testing.

Importance of Community Awareness

Informed communities lead to safer homes. By raising awareness about radon testing and its implications, we can foster a healthier environment for all Atlanta residents.

IHI Atlanta Home Inspection - Case Studies and Testimonials

Radon is a carcinogenic gas that is hazardous to inhale. Build-up of radon in homes is a health concern and many lung cancer cases are attributed to radon exposure each year. About 12% of lung cancers and more than 20,000 Americans die of radon-related lung cancer each year. The Surgeon General of the United States has issued a Health Advisory warning Americans about the health risk from exposure to radon in indoor air. Dr. Carmona, the Nation’s Chief Physician urged Americans to test their homes to find out how much radon they might be breathing. He also stressed the need to remedy the problem as soon as possible.

EPA and the Surgeon General recommend testing all homes below the third floor for radon. If you find that you have high radon levels, there are ways to fix a radon problem. Even very high levels can be reduced to acceptable levels. Radon has been found in homes all over the United States. It comes from the natural breakdown of uranium in soil, rock and water and gets into the air you breathe. Radon typically moves up through the ground to the air above and into your home through cracks and other holes in the foundation. Radon can also enter your home through well water. Your home can trap radon inside.


Any home can have a radon problem. This means new and old homes, well-sealed and drafty homes, and homes with or without basements. In fact, you and your family are most likely to get your greatest radiation exposure at home. That is where you spend most of your time. Nearly 1 out of every 15 homes in the United States is estimated to have an elevated radon level. Elevated levels of radon gas have been found in homes in your state.

EPA’s Radon Testing Check List:

Notify the occupants of the importance of proper testing conditions. Give the occupants written instructions or a copy of this Guide and explain the directions carefully.

Conduct the radon test for a minimum of 48 hours; some test devices have a minimum exposure time greater than 48 hours.

When doing a short-term test ranging from 4-7 days, EPA recommends that closed-house conditions be maintained.

If you hire someone to do the test, hire only a qualified individual. Some states issue photo identification (ID) cards; ask to see it. The tester’s ID number, if available, should be included or noted in the test report.

If your home has not yet been tested for Radon have a test taken as soon as possible. If you can, test your home before putting it on the market. You should test in the lowest level of the home which is suitable for occupancy. This means testing in the lowest level that you currently live in or a lower level not currently used, but which a buyer could use for living space without renovations.

The test should include method(s) to prevent or detect interference with testing conditions or with the testing device itself.

If the house has an active radon-reduction system, make sure the vent fan is operating properly. If the fan is not operating properly, have it (or ask to have it) repaired and then test.

If your home has not yet been tested for Radon have a test taken as soon as possible. If you can, test your home before putting it on the market. You should test in the lowest level of the home which is suitable for occupancy. This means testing in the lowest level that you currently live in or a lower level not currently used, but which a buyer could use for living space without renovations.

Many states require radon professionals to be licensed, certified, or registered. Most states can provide you with a list of knowledgeable radon service providers doing business in the state. In states that don’t regulate radon services, ask the contractor if they hold a professional proficiency or certification credential. Such programs usually provide members with a photo-ID card, which indicates their qualification(s) and its expiration date. If in doubt, you should check with their credentialing organization. Alternatively, ask the contractor if they’ve successfully completed formal training appropriate for testing or mitigation, e.g., a course in radon measurement or radon mitigation.

If you are thinking of selling your home and you have already tested your home for radon, review the Radon Testing Checklist to make sure that the test was done correctly. If so, provide your test results to the buyer.

The Radon Testing Checklist items were not met;

The last test is not recent, e.g., within two years;

You have renovated or altered your home since you tested; or

The buyer plans to live in a lower level of the house than was tested, such as a basement suitable for occupancy but not currently lived in.

A buyer may also ask for a new test if your state or local government requires disclosure of radon information to buyers. Radon Gas Myths Facts

Schedule Your Inspection with David Lelak – Atlanta’s Trusted Home Inspector

If you're in the market for an Atlanta home inspector, look no further than David Lelak, a seasoned professional known for his expertise in comprehensive home inspections. With a focus on ensuring your home is safe from radon and other hazards, David prioritizes your family's health and your investment. Don’t let the “invisible intruder” catch you off guard take proactive steps today for a secure living environment. Have you had your home tested for radon? If you haven’t yet, consider scheduling a radon test today to protect your loved ones and your home.

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