January is national radon action month. Many Georgians spend these cold months huddled inside waiting for a warmer spring. This makes it even more important that we test our homes for radon, a colorless, odorless gas that is the second leading cause of lung cancer.

Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers. Smokers, current and former, exposed to radon gas have an even greater risk of developing lung cancer.

Radon is a naturally occurring gas that comes from the breakdown of uranium in soil and rock. Often granite rock naturally has high levels of uranium, which is part of why radon is such a persistent problem in Georgia, the gas seeps out of the soil and up through crawlspaces, foundations, and basements into a home. About 800 Georgians die annually from radon induced lung cancer.

The Chattooga County Extension Office is inviting residents to virtually to learn about this gas, where it comes from and preventive measures.  The webinar will be held on Thursday, January 6, 2022 from noon until 1 PM. All webinar participants will receive a FREE Radon Test for their home which will be mailed to them following the session. There is no limit on the number of participants.