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Published on 01/07/16

UGA Radon Education Program promotes testing as part of National Radon Action Month

By Cal Powell

The University of Georgia Radon Education Program recommends testing your home for radon in recognition of National Radon Action Month in January.

Testing is easy and affordable. Radon test kits can be purchased from some UGA Cooperative Extension offices for $10 or online for $13. For more information, or to order a test kit, go to www.ugaradon.org.

Radon, a naturally-occurring, odorless gas, is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers and the second leading cause of lung cancer in America, claiming 21,000 lives annually.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates one out of every 15 homes in the country has high radon levels. According to the EPA, the northern third of Georgia has a moderate to high radon potential, but radon also may be found in other parts of the state.

Radon occurs naturally when uranium breaks down to radium, which then breaks down to form radon. Radon is released into the soil and can easily enter homes through the foundation and well water.

The UGA Radon Education Program, sponsored by the UGA Cooperative Extension and the UGA College of Family and Consumer Sciences, educates communities throughout the state to increase radon awareness and promote testing.

The Georgia Radon Symposium will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 27 at the UGA Gwinnett Campus from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. The cost of the symposium is $20, which includes lunch. Register online at www.ugaradon.org.

Officials from the UGA Radon Education Program, EPA, Department of Community Affairs, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Georgia State University will discuss topics such as radon testing and mitigation.

Write to ugaradon@uga.edu for information.

Cal Powell is the director of communications for the University of Georgia College of Family and Consumer Sciences.

Authors:
Cal Powell
Experts/Sources:
Pamela R. Turner
The second-leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S., radon is an odorless, invisible, tasteless radioactive gas released by the natural decay of uranium in our soils and rocks. UGA Extension offers a low-cost service for those who need to test their home for radon.
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