Date Published: 01/15/2020 [Source]
The second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, radon is an odorless, invisible, tasteless radioactive gas released by the natural decay of uranium in our soils and rocks. Not many people think about the dangers of radon, but the radioactive element causes more than 800 deaths a year in Georgia.
Butts County is among 11 Georgia counties with the highest percentage of elevated radon readings in the state.
Radon occurs naturally in Georgia's granite bedrock and can leach into homes without warning. This presents a hidden danger, as radon exposure is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S., according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Radon Educator Derek Cooper is working to shine a light on this invisible hazard with the university's Georgia Radon Program. January — National Radon Action Month — is a great time for Georgians to take steps to protect their families against the threat.
"Families have a lot to think about, and I know radon isn't always at the top of the list," Cooper said. "The beginning of the year is a good time to take a moment to make sure your family's home is safe. Testing for radon can save a life, and it's quick and easy."
Radon gas is essentially broken-down uranium that is present in Georgia's granite bedrock. It can seep into homes through their foundations or through well water. It is odorless, tasteless, colorless and virtually undetectable without a test. The gas can collect in homes during the winter months when weatherproofing seals air indoors, but it's a threat year-round.
Homes of all ages and sizes are vulnerable to radon, but risk varies depending on the area of the state. Homes in the northern half of the state, for instance, are at greater risk of having elevated radon levels due to higher amounts of granite bedrock in that region. About 46.6 percent of homes tested in Haralson County had elevated radon levels — the highest rates in the state.
In addition to Haralson, Barrow, Butts, Douglas, Fannin, Gilmer, Hall, Jackson, Lumpkin, Union and Walton counties are the counties with the highest percentage of elevated radon levels in the state, according to tests conducted through UGA Extension.