Professional Radon Testing in Atlanta
You can't see it, smell it, or taste it. But radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer. We provide fast, accurate testing for Atlanta home buyers.
Add to Home Inspection (+$150)
Why Test for Radon in Atlanta?
It's not just an "old house" problem. It's a geology problem.
The Granite Factor
Atlanta sits on a massive geological formation rich in granite (think Stone Mountain). As uranium in this rock breaks down, it releases radioactive radon gas. This gas seeps into basements and crawlspaces through cracks in the foundation.
Zone 1 High Risk Area
The EPA designates
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Cobb
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Fulton
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DeKalb
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Gwinnett
counties as "Zone 1," meaning they have the highest potential for elevated radon levels. 1 in 5 homes in Metro Atlanta tests high for radon.
Our Method: Charcoal Canisters
We use activated charcoal adsorption devices. This is a time-tested, EPA-approved method for real estate transactions.
•High Accuracy: The canisters are sent to a certified laboratory for analysis, eliminating calibration errors common with cheap digital devices.
•Dual-Canister Protocol: For added accuracy, we deploy two devices to ensure the average reading is precise.
•Cost-Effective: This method provides professional lab results without the high rental cost of continuous monitors.
The Testing Process
1
Deployment
We place the charcoal canisters in the lowest livable level of the home (basement or first floor) at the start of the inspection.
2
48-Hour Exposure
3
Lab Analysis
We retrieve the devices, seal them, and rush them to the lab. You receive a certified report typically within 2-3 business days.
The canisters adsorb air samples for a minimum of 48 hours. Windows and doors must remain closed during this time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Radon
What is radon?
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that comes from the breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water. It can seep into homes through cracks in the foundation, crawlspaces, and other openings. You can’t see, smell, or taste radon, which makes it especially dangerous if left undetected.
Is radon really dangerous?
Yes. According to the EPA, radon exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, after smoking. Long-term exposure to high radon levels increases your risk of developing lung cancer, even if you don’t smoke. Any radon level at or above 4.0 pCi/L (picocuries per liter) should be reduced.
How do I know if my home has radon?
The only way to know is to test your home. Radon levels vary greatly from house to house, even in the same neighborhood. Professional radon testing provides accurate, detailed measurements, so you can find out if you need to take action.
How often should I test for radon?
It’s recommended to test your home for radon every two years, or after any major renovations that affect your foundation or ventilation. You should also test whenever you buy or sell a home, or if you've never tested before.
What do I do if my home has high radon levels?
If your radon levels are high (4.0 pCi/L or above), you should install a radon mitigation system, which usually involves venting radon gas from beneath your home to the outside. Professional mitigation companies can design and install these systems to reduce radon to safe levels.
How long does radon testing take?
Overall, it will be about 5 days. For real estate transactions, radon testing is a minimum of 48 hours. The devices then have to be sent to a lab to be analyzed. If received by noon results are same day. 2-day shipping is standard but next day can be purchased.