Athens, Ga. – Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue has proclaimed January as the Official Radon Action Month in the state of Georgia. The proclamation, signed Jan. 23, describes radon as “a colorless, odorless, naturally occurring radioactive gas that threatens the health of our citizens.”
The College of Family and Consumer Sciences Cooperative Extension at the University of Georgia sponsors the UGA Radon Education Program, which provides education to communities across the state to increase radon awareness and promote testing. January is a special time of year for outreach efforts because the Environmental Protection Agency has designated it as National Radon Action Month.
January and other cooler winter months are the best time to test homes for radon. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can’t be seen, smelled or tasted. However, it is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in America and claims more than 21,000 lives annually.
The U.S. Surgeon General and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommend that all homes be tested for elevated radon levels. The EPA estimates one out of every 15 homes in the U.S. has high radon levels. The northern third of Georgia has a moderate to high radon potential, according to the EPA.
Testing is easy and affordable. Free radon test kits are available at local County Extension Offices. Call 1-800-ASK-UGA1 for the nearest Cooperative Extension Office.
