In Delaware, there are two geographic areas that are at the highest risk for elevated radon concentrations in homes. Results from 35,700 tests have been used to create ZIP code maps that show areas of concern. In New Castle County, 13% of homes test over 4 pCi/L on average. In some individual zip code areas, as many as 27% of homes test above the EPA action level. For Kent County, 10% of homes test above 4 pCi/L on average, though in some zip code areas as many as 13% test in excess of the EPA action level.
The Delaware Division of Public Health (DDPH) has always recommended that all homes be tested for radon even though certain areas of the state are more likely to have higher risk than others. Kurt Olinger, the state’s Radon Program Manager, explains, “Because Delaware is on a peninsula, the geology and topography change dramatically even though Delaware is a relatively small state. The northern half of the state has a higher chance of excessive radon levels than the lower half. The northern half is on bedrock and people have basements. The lower half of the Delaware peninsula becomes silica sand, which can be as deep as 600-700 feet, and at sea level, people don’t have basements either, so they are testing upper floors.”
A small state bordering the ocean, Delaware offers a somewhat unique opportunity for radon outreach—highway billboards. There are only two major highways that run north and south to the beach. Using billboards to advertise radon risk awareness during the summer allows the Delaware program to attract the attention of state residents as well as tourists and impress upon them the importance of radon awareness, testing, and mitigation. In addition, the state radon program sponsors posters placed on public buses.
Delaware’s state radon program also provides outreach materials on its website. Among the online materials are a slide show about the health risks of radon and ways to mitigate the risk, and a factsheet that provides information for home buyers and sellers (see below for links). The program also issues press releases through its Public Information Office, which generates media and public interest on radon issues. With a state population of less than 900,000, the program averages one to two inquiries per day and in months of heavy promotion, such as those when press releases are issued, the program may receive as many as 700 inquiries in a month.
In responding to inquiries, free test kits are made available. Anyone may receive a free test kit and as many as 1,000 kits have been distributed in a year. As Kurt says, “There’s no excuse for not testing. Testing is free.”
For more information, contact the Delaware Division of Public Health Radon Office or call 1-800-464-HELP.
Kurt Olinger
Radon Program Manager
Delaware Division of Public Health
Office of Healthy Environments
Telephone: 302-744-4816
Materials Available on the State Website
Radon: The Health Risks and Solutions
http://www.dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/hsp/files/radonpres.pdf
Radon Rights, Risks and Remedy for the Home Buyer
http://www.dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/hsp/files/radpub.pdf
United States