What environmental health services cover and who needs them
Environmental health services protect your home and family from invisible threats in your soil and air. In the Atlanta area, radon gas is the primary concern. Radon is a colorless, odorless radioactive gas that rises from granite and gneiss bedrock underneath homes and enters through foundation cracks, gaps around pipes, and unsealed sump pits. It accumulates in basements and lower levels where you and your family spend time. Any homeowner in Georgia—whether buying, selling, or living in their current home—needs to know their radon level.
These services include testing to measure radon levels in your home, assessment to determine if mitigation is needed, and system installation to reduce radon. We serve Cobb County, DeKalb County, Fulton County, Hall County, Gordon County, Newton County, Clayton County, Forsyth County, Pickens County, and parts of Douglas County, Colorado.
Is radon actually a problem in Atlanta even though the climate is warm?
Yes. Radon is not limited to cold weather. The bedrock geology under Atlanta and surrounding counties, particularly the granite formations in North Georgia, naturally produces radon regardless of season. Warm climates do not stop radon from rising through soil and into your home. In fact, radon concentrations often build up indoors year-round because homes are sealed for heating and air conditioning. Atlanta sits in EPA Radon Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas depending on the specific county, meaning significant radon potential exists across our service territory.
What radon level requires mitigation in Georgia?
The EPA action level is 4.0 picocuries per liter, or pCi/L. If your home tests at or above 4.0 pCi/L, the EPA recommends mitigation. The World Health Organization reference level is 2.7 pCi/L, which is lower and increasingly used by health agencies as a guideline for prevention. Georgia follows the EPA action level of 4.0 pCi/L, but many homeowners choose to mitigate below that threshold for added protection, especially if children, elderly family members, or anyone with respiratory sensitivity lives in the home.
Types of radon testing: short-term vs. long-term
Short-term radon testing typically runs 2 to 90 days using passive devices like charcoal canisters or active electronic monitors called Continuous Radon Monitors (CRM). These tests give you a quick snapshot of radon levels during a specific period.
Long-term radon testing runs from 90 days to over a year using passive alpha track detectors and provides a more representative average of your home’s radon exposure across seasons. Short-term tests are faster for time-sensitive situations; long-term tests are more accurate for real-world living conditions.
Which radon test is required when buying or selling a home?
Georgia’s Seller’s Property Disclosure Act (O.C.G.A. § 44-1-16) requires sellers to disclose known radon test results, but does not mandate that a radon test occur before sale. However, many buyers request testing as part of their home inspection. When a test is ordered during a transaction, most lenders and real estate professionals accept a short-term test of at least 48 hours during closed-house conditions, though some buyers prefer long-term results for accuracy.
Certified radon testing by a technician trained in NRPP (National Radon Proficiency Program) or NRSB (National Radon Safety Board) standards ensures the test is conducted correctly and defensible in a real estate transaction.
How radon mitigation systems work
The standard method is Active Sub-Slab Depressurization (ASD). A small hole is drilled through the concrete slab or into the soil beneath the foundation, and a PVC vent pipe is installed. An inline fan pulls radon gas from beneath the foundation and vents it safely above the roofline, away from windows and doors. For homes with crawl spaces, Sub-Membrane Depressurization (SMD) uses a vapor barrier over the soil and a radon fan to depressurize the space. For new construction or low-risk situations, Passive Sub-Slab Venting installs vent pipes without a fan. All systems use a manometer, or U-tube pressure gauge, to monitor that the system is working. Post-mitigation verification testing must occur within 30 days of installation to confirm radon levels have dropped below the EPA action level.
Our
radon mitigation system installation pages detail the specific methods we use, system components, and what to expect during the work.
How long does radon testing take?
A
radon test itself is quick. Placing the detector typically takes 10 to 20 minutes. Short-term tests must run continuously for at least 48 hours, often 7 to 10 days, depending on the device. Long-term tests run much longer, typically 3 to 12 months. You get results once the detector is sent to a lab for analysis, usually within 1 to 2 weeks after the test closes.
How long does radon mitigation installation take?
A typical radon mitigation system installation takes one to two days for a single-family home. The crew drills through the foundation, runs PVC vent pipe through the house and up through the roof, mounts the radon fan, and installs a manometer. The exact timeline depends on the home’s layout, the location of the suction pit, and whether the system needs to go through the attic or outside wall. We schedule post-mitigation testing within 30 days to verify the system is working.
How much does radon mitigation cost in Atlanta?
Radon mitigation installation costs vary based on foundation type, house size, and system complexity. Homes with slab-on-grade foundations typically cost less than homes with basements or crawl spaces because the suction pit requires less drilling. A straightforward system averages in the mid-range for the Southeast market, but the final price depends on site-specific factors. We provide a detailed estimate after an on-site assessment so you know the cost before we start work. Ask about financing options if the upfront cost is a concern.
Why professional certification matters
Radon testing and mitigation require training and certification. Technicians certified by NRPP or NRSB follow ANSI/AARST standards for how to conduct tests, where to place detectors, and how to interpret results. Certified installers know how to size the radon fan for your home, run vent pipe to code, and ensure the system doesn’t create indoor pressure problems. An improperly installed system may fail to reduce radon, or worse, push harmful soil gases into your home.
Our certification matters because your family’s health depends on it. This is not a do-it-yourself project.
Our approach to environmental health testing and mitigation
We start with a thorough site assessment. We listen to your concerns, inspect your foundation, review your home’s construction, and recommend the right testing method for your situation. Our testing follows EPA protocols and closed-house conditions to ensure accuracy. When mitigation is needed, we design a system tailored to your home’s layout and foundation type, not a one-size-fits-all approach. We use quality materials, install to code, and verify results with post-mitigation testing. We’re upfront about cost and timeline, and we respect your home. You get a clear picture of what we’re doing and why.
How to know if your home needs radon testing
If you own a home in our service area, you should test. Radon levels cannot be predicted by appearance or location within a neighborhood. Two identical homes on the same street can have very different radon levels because of differences in foundation sealing, soil conditions directly beneath them, and indoor air pressure.
Residential radon testing is the only way to know. Test if you’re buying a home, selling a home, or simply want peace of mind. Test if someone in your household has a history of lung disease. Test if your home has a basement, crawl space, or slab-on-grade foundation. Most homes in the Atlanta area benefit from testing.
Choosing between testing methods and mitigation options
Choosing your testing method depends on your timeline and budget. A short-term test costs less and gives you results faster, but may not represent your average radon level across seasons. A long-term test takes months but gives you a true picture. If you’re selling your home, a short-term test is usually acceptable. If you’re deciding whether to mitigate in your own home, a long-term test or multiple short-term tests in different seasons provide better data.
If mitigation is needed,
Sub-Slab Depressurization is the industry standard and works well for most homes. For crawl spaces,
Sub-Membrane Depressurization is the preferred method. Your home’s foundation type, existing HVAC system, and local code requirements all factor into which system makes sense. We assess your home and recommend what will work.
Common questions about radon and environmental health in Atlanta
Do slab-on-grade homes in Atlanta have radon problems?
Yes. Slab-on-grade is very common in Atlanta, and radon enters easily where the slab meets the foundation wall, through foundation cracks, and around penetrations for plumbing and utilities. Slab-on-grade homes need testing as often as basements do. The radon sits in contact with the concrete and soil beneath it and rises into the living space above.
Does homeowners insurance cover radon mitigation in Georgia?
Most homeowners insurance policies do not cover radon testing or mitigation because radon is considered a naturally occurring environmental hazard rather than sudden damage. Check your individual policy to be certain. Some health insurance plans may offer radon testing discounts through workplace or community health programs, but coverage is rare. Budget for radon mitigation as a home maintenance expense, like you would for foundation repair or HVAC replacement.
What is the difference between radon remediation, radon mitigation, and radon reduction?
These terms are often used interchangeably, but they have slight differences. Remediation suggests correcting a known problem. Mitigation is the process of installing a system to reduce radon. Reduction is the result, the lowering of radon levels. In practice, we use mitigation to describe the whole process because we’re mitigating the risk by installing a system that reduces levels.
What about radon maintenance after mitigation?
Once installed, a radon mitigation system requires minimal maintenance. Check your manometer once or twice a year to make sure the pressure gauge is showing the system is operating. If you have a sump pit, keep it sealed and covered. The radon fan will eventually need replacement, typically after 5 to 10 years, depending on the model. We provide guidance on maintenance and monitoring. See our
Radon Mitigation System Maintenance Guide for detailed care instructions.
Can I test for radon myself or install mitigation myself?
Testing yourself is technically possible using a charcoal canister or alpha track detector you order online, though results are only as good as your setup and handling. Mitigation is far more complex. Improper installation can actually make indoor air quality worse by creating pressure imbalances. Certified professionals have the training, tools, and accountability to do it right. The cost difference is modest compared to the risk of failure. Read
DIY Radon Mitigation vs. Professional Installation for a full comparison.
What if my radon test comes back below 4.0 pCi/L?
You’re below the EPA action level, which is good. Some homeowners still choose to mitigate if their level is above 2.7 pCi/L (the WHO reference level) or if radon runs higher in certain seasons. Others are comfortable staying below 4.0 pCi/L. The choice is yours. Discuss your comfort level with a certified professional. If you sell your home, a radon level below 4.0 pCi/L is a selling point.
Why does radon matter if I can’t see or smell it?
Radon decays into radioactive particles that lodge in your lungs. Over time, this increases your risk of lung cancer. The longer you’re exposed to high radon levels, the greater the risk. Smokers and former smokers face higher risk. Children are more susceptible to radiation damage because their cells divide faster. You protect your family by knowing your radon level and acting if it’s high.
Next steps
Start with
residential radon testing if you haven’t tested yet. If you’re buying a home, request a
radon level assessment as part of your inspection. If you’ve already tested high, contact us for a free mitigation consultation. We’ll walk you through your options, show you exactly what we’ll install, and give you a clear price before we start.
