The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) works in partnership with Kansas State University (KSU) on an innovative radon outreach program that prevents lung cancer. Through a radon grant program with EPA, the state university serves as a National Radon Service Provider. KSU also serves as a contractor to the KDHE.
Kim Steves, the supervisor of the radon program at KDHE, says KSU “does the brunt of the training and speaking engagements and outreach activities,” while she oversees the contract with KSU and the regulatory program within her department that certifies technicians and laboratories. She also works collaboratively with the department’s Healthy Homes Program, the state Environmental Public Health Tracking Program, and the Kansas Cancer Partnership. One goal for the department this year is to produce a video of a home radon mitigation in collaboration with KSU for training purposes.
Another project underway this year is an update of the state radon map showing the concentrations of radon across all the counties in Kansas. An update of this map requires current data on radon measurements in Kansas. The state has collected as many as 70,000 measurements since 2011. As a result of the Kansas Radon Certification Law that went into effect July 1, 2011, all certified radon laboratories and all mitigation technicians in Kansas must report their test results to the state. As of June 30, 2013, Kansas certified 220 radon measurement technicians, 72 radon mitigation technicians and 14 laboratories. Thus far, the reported results have revealed that 40 percent of homes tested in Kansas have radon concentrations exceeding the EPA action level of 4pCi/L.
Because there are no staff persons at KDHE whose positions are solely “dedicated to radon,” Kim has to be creative in finding effective ways to maintain a public focus on radon. She has worked with the department’s Public Information Officer to leverage social media and press releases to attract media attention and convey critical information to the public. The website http://www.kdheks.gov/radiation/radon.htm#program has suggested public service announcements that can be readily used in a number of media markets.
Based on public queries, evidence suggests that interest in radon is strong in Kansas. In one six-month period, KSU and KDHE together responded to around 1,135 inquiries from the public. Dr. Robert Moser, Secretary and State Health Officer for Kansas, has provided leadership for another exceptionally successful outreach program in the state. He encouraged physicians to advocate for radon issues on the Kansas Academy of Family Physicians Advocacy Day this year. Family Physicians Advocacy Day was in January, which coincides with National Radon Action Month and the many activities – including poster contests, outreach efforts and events that the U.S. EPA supports.
With the support through the EPA grant, Ms. Steves notes that more outreach and education is possible. People need to be aware of how important it is to test their homes and mitigate, if necessary. The end result of this advocacy and outreach, she says, is to save lives.
Based on an interview with:
Kim Steves, Radon Program Manager
Email: KSteves@kdheks.gov
Phone: 785-296-4359
Website: http://www.kdheks.gov/radiation/radon.htm
For General Radon Inquiries
Email: radon@kdheks.gov
Phone: 1-800-693-5343
For more information on the KSU Radon Program:
Brian Hanson
Email: bhanson@ksu.edu
Phone: 785-532-6026
Fax: 785-532-6952
Website: http://www.kansasradonprogram.org/home
Address: Engineering Extension/133 Ward Hall/Kansas State University/Manhattan, KS 66506
United States