The formal release of the WHO Handbook on Indoor Radon: A Public Health Perspective will occur on Monday via a press release from the World Health Organization as well as from other agencies and stakeholders. Hopefully, the release will stimulate a renewed AND SUSTAINED interest in radon worldwide. The handbook should be available on Sept 21 as a free download from the WHO - International Radon Project Website. http://www.who.int/ionizing_radiation/env/radon/en/index1.html As noted by the WHO, “The overall goal of this handbook is to provide an up-to-date overview of the major aspects of radon and health. It does not aim to replace existing radiation protection standards, rather it emphasizes issues relevant to the comprehensive planning, implementation and evaluation of national radon programmes.”
As radon professionals, I anticipate that you may receive many questions about the press release concerning the handbook as well as perhaps questions regarding the contents of the handbook itself.
It would be very helpful to me if you could share your beliefs (feel free to email me directly) regarding whether you anticipate that the publication of such a handbook will affect your radon related activities at all? For example, do you anticipate the handbook will be helpful regarding educational efforts, risk perceptions, etc. Perspectives from mitigators, testers, state agencies, county agencies, would be helpful.
Warmest regards,
Bill Field
United States