Below is Governor Sonny Perdue’s statement from www.georgia.gov.

House Bill 1217 provides a regime to license Georgia’s home inspectors. I am cognizant and respectful of the fact that the advocates for the legislation chose to use and were approved by the Georgia Occupational Regulation Review Council (GORRC). I have come to believe that GORRC review should be the initial threshold for the creation of a new licensing board. I am also aware that the private sector provides several, voluntary professional organizations to achieve the goals of the legislation. It is my preference that the market – not the State – regulate as many of our industries as possible. Thus, in order to not supplant the good work of the free market with taxpayer funds, I VETO House Bill 1217.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Since 1992, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has reminded consumers to check smoke alarms and change batteries when they change their clocks, but in that time, many alarms have lost their effectiveness.  This year, CPSC wants to remind consumers to replace smoke alarms every ten years and replace carbon monoxide (CO) alarms every five years. In a national telephone survey of households conducted by the CPSC, 97 percent of homes had at least one smoke alarm. That’s good news, but without fresh batteries, alarms will not work when needed.  And the sensors in alarms will degrade and lose effectiveness over time because of environmental contamination and age. According to National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports, there were more than 1.6 million fires reported in the United States in 2005.  These fires caused about 3,700 civilian deaths and 18,000 injuries.  Additionally, from 2002-2004, CPSC estimated a yearly average of 166 deaths from unintentional, non-fire related CO exposure. “Millions of Americans are without adequate protection from fire and CO because the alarm’s battery is dead or the alarm is too old,” said CPSC Acting Chairman Nancy Nord. “Alarms don’t last forever, and old ones need to be replaced.” Consumers need to remain vigilant against carbon monoxide poisoning and fires.  CPSC recommends three simple tips to protect your life, your loved ones, and your home: Make sure your home is protected with both smoke and CO alarms.  Combination smoke/CO alarms are available in the marketplace. Test alarms monthly to make sure they are working. Once a year, change batteries when you change your clocks.

From U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Press Release – Nov 2007

“Indoor radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States and breathing it over prolonged periods can present a significant health risk to families all over the country. It’s important to know that this threat is completely preventable. Radon can be detected with a simple test and fixed through well established venting techniques.” January 2005