General Public

Radon

As of March 1, 2006, the Office of Environmental Management of the Georgia Department of Community Affairs is the state office responsible for administering a radon program.

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas produced by the breakdown of radium and uranium in soil, rock and water.  Air pressure inside your home is usually lower than pressure in the soil around your home's foundation.  Because of this pressure difference, your house acts like a vacuum, drawing soil gases, including radon, in through foundation cracks and other openings.  You can't see, smell or taste radon, and any home can have a radon problem.  The only way to know what the radon level is in your home is to test.  Short-term radon tests are available at your local hardware or home improvement store.