Leaders focus on innovative approaches to radon awareness outreach
The University of Georgia Radon Program welcomed radon professionals, state program representatives and federal partners from across the Southeast for the 2026 EPA Region 4 Radon stakeholder meeting, held May 28–29 at the UGA Gwinnett Campus in Lawrenceville, Ga.
Hosted by the UGA Radon Program, the annual meeting serves as a forum for collaboration among state radon programs, radon industry professionals, tribal representatives and government organizations working to reduce radon exposure and prevent radon-related lung cancer. Participants from across EPA Region 4 gathered to share program updates, discuss emerging issues and explore new strategies for outreach and education.
The meeting opened with welcome remarks from Allisen Penn, Associate Dean of Extension and Outreach from the UGA College of Family and Consumer Sciences, and Swarn Chatterjee, head of the FACS department of financial planning, housing and consumer economics. Both leaders emphasized the importance of community engagement and public health partnerships in addressing environmental health risks.
A major focus of the meeting was Georgia's innovative radon outreach efforts. The UGA Radon Program highlighted two unique partnerships that are expanding access to radon testing across the state.
Through a partnership with Rockdale County Fire Rescue, free short-term radon test kits are distributed and placed in homes during home safety checks. The program allows residents to test their homes for radon while firefighters conduct routine safety visits, helping reach homeowners who may not otherwise be aware of the risks associated with radon exposure.
The UGA Radon Program also showcased its partnership with the Georgia Public Library Service, which provides a digital radon monitor at every public library in Georgia. Residents can check out the monitors free of charge using a library card, making long-term radon testing more accessible and affordable for communities throughout the state.
In addition to discussions on radon outreach partnerships, the two-day agenda featured presentations on state and tribal program updates, radon data integration into community health assessments, social media outreach strategies, large-building radon testing, artificial intelligence applications in radon education and approaches for addressing misinformation. Attendees also participated in networking sessions and breakout discussions designed to strengthen collaboration among stakeholders throughout the region.
The meeting reinforced the value of partnerships in advancing radon awareness and mitigation efforts. By bringing together professionals from multiple sectors, the EPA Region 4 Radon Stakeholder Meeting continues to support a coordinated approach to reducing radon exposure and protecting public health across the Southeast.
Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer overall and the leading cause among non-smokers, yet many homeowners remain unaware of their radon levels.
The UGA Radon Program encourages all Georgians to test their homes and learn more about this preventable health risk. Whether through free educational resources, radon test kits or partnerships with local organizations and libraries, the UGA Radon Program is committed to helping residents make informed decisions about their indoor air quality and health.