Do I Really Need to Test for Radon?

When scheduling a home inspection, radon testing is often offered as an optional add-on service. Because it is typically not part of a standard home inspection, many buyers and sellers wonder whether it is truly necessary or if it can be skipped altogether. The short answer is yes, radon testing is worth considering. The reason has less to do with how a home looks and more to do with what cannot be seen at all.

What is Radon?

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas released from the breakdown of uranium in soil and rock. It is invisible, odorless, and tasteless, which means it cannot be detected without proper testing.

Radon moves upward from the ground and enters homes through cracks in foundations, crawlspaces, slab joints, sump pits, and other points where the structure meets the soil. Once inside, it can accumulate over time, particularly in well-sealed and energy-efficient homes, which are increasingly common in Atlanta.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, radon exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States and the leading cause among non-smokers. Because symptoms only appear after long-term exposure, testing is the only reliable way to understand whether a home has elevated radon levels.

Is Radon Common in Atlanta and North Georgia?

Radon is more common than many homeowners realize, including throughout Georgia.

North Georgia is known to have higher radon potential due to its natural ground composition, but elevated radon levels have been found in homes across the Atlanta metro area and surrounding counties. Radon levels can vary significantly from one home to the next, even within the same neighborhood.

A common misconception is that radon is only a concern in homes with basements or crawlspaces. In reality, slab homes can also test with elevated radon levels. Any foundation type can allow radon to enter. The style or age of the home does not eliminate the risk.

Why Radon Testing Matters When Buying or Selling a Home

Buying or selling a home is one of the most practical times to address radon proactively. Testing during this period provides clarity and allows any findings to be handled in a thoughtful and straightforward way.

In Georgia, radon test results are commonly referenced during the due diligence period after a home has gone under contract. If elevated levels are discovered during a pre-listing inspection, a mitigation system can be installed ahead of time, allowing the home to be marketed with confidence.

When elevated radon levels are found during a buyer’s inspection, mitigation can be negotiated as part of the purchase agreement. Having accurate test results early helps avoid last-minute surprises and supports informed decision-making for everyone involved.

Radon mitigation systems are effective and widely used, but testing is what brings visibility to the issue in the first place.

At-Home Radon Kits vs. Professional Radon Testing

At-home radon test kits, often purchased online or at big-box stores, can appear to be a simple and affordable solution. However, they frequently introduce uncertainty, especially when used during the home buying or selling process, where accuracy and documentation matter.

Professional radon testing follows strict EPA protocols, including closed-house conditions and precise monitor placement. These tests are designed to run for a minimum of 48 hours to provide accurate, reliable, and legally defensible data. During the testing period, professional devices record hourly radon measurements, which are then averaged to determine whether levels exceed the EPA’s recommended action level of 4.0 pCi/L (picocuries per liter).

Professional-grade monitors are regularly calibrated and built specifically for real estate testing standards. Many at-home kits are far more sensitive to airflow, humidity, and placement errors, which can lead to incomplete or misleading results.

Equally important, professional testing provides clear documentation and expert interpretation. Rather than receiving a number without context, buyers and sellers gain a clear explanation of what the results mean, whether mitigation is recommended, and what next steps typically look like.

At-home kits can be useful for long-term homeowner monitoring, but they are not a replacement for professional radon testing when health considerations and real estate decisions are involved.

What Happens If Elevated Radon Levels Are Found?

If elevated radon levels are identified, the good news is that radon is very manageable.

Radon mitigation systems are highly effective and commonly installed throughout Atlanta and North Georgia. These systems work by redirecting radon gas away from the home and typically reduce levels significantly. Installation is generally straightforward and can be added to existing homes, new construction, slab homes, and crawlspace homes alike.

The most important step is identifying the issue through proper testing so it can be addressed correctly and confidently.

Making an Informed Decision

Radon is not something to fear, but it is something to take seriously. Because it cannot be seen or smelled, professional testing is the only way to gain clarity.

For buyers and sellers in Atlanta and the surrounding areas, radon testing helps remove guesswork from an invisible risk. When testing is done correctly and results are explained clearly, it becomes a practical and empowering part of the inspection process.

At Providence Inspections, we believe informed decisions start with accurate information. That includes radon testing performed to professional standards and interpreted with care.

If you’re ready to discuss the best option for your home inspection, we’re here to help.