Radon is an invisible, odorless radioactive gas that seeps into homes through cracks in the foundation, gaps around pipes, and openings in the slab. According to the EPA, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, responsible for an estimated 21,000 deaths annually. And it can be present in any home — new or old, well-sealed or drafty.
Why Georgia Homes Are at Risk
While Georgia isn't typically considered a "high radon" state like some northern regions, the EPA has identified elevated radon levels in homes across multiple Georgia counties, including Fulton, DeKalb, Gwinnett, Cobb, Cherokee, and Forsyth. The red clay soils and granite bedrock common throughout North Georgia can produce radon that accumulates in enclosed spaces like basements and ground-level rooms.
How Professional Radon Testing Works
At Foresight Home Inspections, we use continuous 48-hour professional diagnostic monitors — not passive mail-in kits. Our equipment takes readings every hour, producing a detailed graph that shows exactly how radon levels fluctuate throughout the testing period. This gives you a far more accurate picture than a single-point test.
The EPA action level is 4.0 pCi/L (picocuries per liter). If your home tests above this threshold, a qualified radon mitigation contractor can install a sub-slab depressurization system that typically reduces levels by 90% or more.
When Should You Test?
The answer is simple: every time you buy a home. Even if a previous test showed low levels, radon concentrations can change over time due to shifts in the soil, changes in HVAC operation, or foundation settling. Testing costs just $175 as an add-on to any Foresight inspection — a small price for peace of mind about your family's long-term health.
Ready to add radon testing to your inspection? Get your instant quote here.