NRAM Newsletter Article-Hall County Extension Newsletter

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has designated January as National Radon Action Month. Communities all over Georgia are leading activities and hosting special events to raise awareness of the health effects of radon exposure, promote testing and mitigation, and advance the use of radon resistant new construction.Radon, a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas, is formed by the natural radioactive decay of uranium in rock, soil, and water. Low levels of uranium occur widely in the Earth's crust and can be found in all 50 states. Unless you test for it, there is no way of knowing how much is present. One out of four homes in our area has a radon level above the EPA’s action level of 4 pCi/L. Radon causes over 800 deaths each year in Georgia.
Ginger Bennett, Radon Educator for this area, is eager to provide informative programs for Hall County organizations, associations, employee groups and students. Perhaps your neighborhood association would be interested in learning about radon. To schedule a radon program, contact Ms. Bennett at 770-535-8290 or bennettg@uga.edu.
You may purchase a radon test kit at the Hall County Extension office for $5 or download an order form at www.gafamiles.com/radon to purchase a kit for $6.50 by mail. As more homes are tested for radon and mitigated, fewer people will be exposed and as a result cancer risk will be decreased.
Spread the word; start now to prevent Georgians from unnecessary exposure to radon and increased risk of lung cancer. Call Ginger Bennett to find out how you can help spread the radon story in Hall County.