by Margaret Henderson
“The uniqueness of Arizona presents some interesting aspects and challenges for the radon program,” says Rich Baker, State Radon Program Officer.
Arizona works to keep citizens aware and engaged around radon. The state has radon concentrations comparable to the national average. About 1 in every 15 homes is at risk for elevated radon concentrations. The state’s program receives five to ten calls per week inquiring about radon. Mr. Baker finds that often people who have migrated to Arizona from other states bring awareness of the issues with them and encourage fellow Arizonians to ask questions. The outreach efforts on radon in other states benefit the health of Arizona’s residents as well.
Challenges sometimes arise with the construction of large, new homes in Phoenix, Tempe and Scottsdale. Sometimes these new homes are built directly into a mountainside upon uranium beds, creating the potential for excessive radon gas migration. Large-scale builders in Arizona are familiar with radon issues and may address them in the construction. However, as Mr. Baker explains, “Arizona has many independent custom homebuilders and fabricators, so for the radon program, a challenge is working with those independent businesses to bring awareness that there may be need for mitigation of excessive radon concentrations in homes.”
The Arizona program offers free test kits to homeowners, and promoted this opportunity in January by distributing some 20,000 flyers to residents across the state. Throughout the year, anyone may request a test kit as well. Much of the program’s outreach occurs through information provided on its website. Although The Arizona Radiation Regulatory Agency does not regulate or certify radon testers or mitigation specialists, the website provides detailed information on mitigations.
Increasing outreach to health professionals is one of Rich Baker’s goals for the program. He would like to have a radon poster or banner in every pediatric office in the state to raise awareness about indoor radon. Additionally, he recently participated in a Fair organized by the Maricopa Department of Health for the nursing training program, reaching health care providers as they graduate and go into health service. With combined efforts targeted at builders and health care professionals, Rich Baker plans to advance radon awareness in Arizona with the ultimate goal of improving public health across the state.
For more information regarding radon issues in Arizona, contact:
Rich Baker
Telephone: 602-255-4845 ext. 244
http://www.azrra.gov/radon/index.html
United States