Based on an interview with Patrick Daniels of the Radon Program of the Illinois Emergency Management Agency
By Margaret Henderson (CRCPD)
“Start with small steps toward getting necessary legislation passed, add program partners, and keep building on the program activities with the goal of reducing the general population risk from radon exposure.” These are key steps to a successful radon program, notes Patrick Daniels, of the Illinois Radon Program in Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA).
The Illinois Radon Program has evolved over time to a multi-directional approach to radon reduction and now issues five licenses in three categories with a combined total of 440 licensees of professionals, technicians, mitigators and laboratories.
The program regulates all radon mitigation companies, and implements state statutes for radon testing, disclosure, mitigation, and radon resistant new construction (RRNC) techniques for new homes.
Developments can be tracked over the past few years noting substantial advancements in particular years that help to target more population groups for risk reduction, increase public awareness and encourage testing and mitigation through a variety of ways.
Testing and outreach activities bring about reductions in radon exposures; legislation and partners form the framework and workforce to advance the radon reduction efforts in Illinois.
TESTING
Original test data compiled from 2003-11 revealed approximately 41% of the 118,477 homes tested had radon levels above the EPA’s recommended action level of 4pCi/L. The information based on tests conducted by professional radon measurement contractors is now readily available on the IEMA’s radon website (www.radon.illinois.gov).
In January of 2013, IEMA added features to the website to provide more information about radon testing and mitigation done by professional contractors. Visitors to the site can easily access information about the number of radon tests conducted in their county and their zip code, the number and percentage of homes above the action level, as well as the average for each. The site also includes information about the number of radon-reducing systems installed in homes from 2005 – 2011 by county and zip code.
In 2011, a $38,000 grant from the EPA was used to help 50 Illinois school districts screen school buildings for the radioactive gas radon. To reduce the cost to school districts for the radon tests, the Illinois School Code allows school district employees to complete an online training course approved by IEMA in order to perform screening measurements in their district school buildings. By using a trained school district employees to conduct the tests, districts do not have the expense of hiring a licensed radon measurement contractor. Results were as expected: 70% of buildings had elevated radon concentrations, but with only 10% of classrooms indicating, as expected, that only isolated areas of most school buildings require corrective actions. Sometimes areas not designed for occupancy were converted to use and those didn’t have the property ventilation needed.
OUTREACH
Funded in part by EPA, the program uses a small percentage of the grant for the state program and distributes the remainder to local health departments throughout Illinois counties for outreach activities at the local level.
Annual poster contest for students are held and more recently a video contest for high school students was instituted which has become very popular. In 2014, IEMA and the American Lung Association Announced Winners in Student Video, Poster Contests which are available on the website http://www.radon.illinois.gov.
Other materials are on the website that are useful tools for outreach and education. An example is the Radon Teacher Presentation, an online slide show. The slides have been compiled to aide in teaching students about radon gas. The intention of these slides is not to be used as one large presentation but for the teacher to pick and choose which ones to use when helping educate students about the risks of radon gas. This outreach is aimed at helping educate the next generation about the deadly problem of exposure to excess radon gas.
LEGISLATION
Throughout the course of several years, the Illinois Legislature has passed important legislation aimed at radon risk reduction.
Starting with the Radon Awareness Act and following with subsequent legislation, including new laws on testing for day care centers and laws concerning renters, the state has addressed various population groups and avenues for assuring that testing and mitigation will reduce risks to homeowners and other population groups as well.
Illinois has become the first state to require all homes in the state to be constructed with radon resistant new construction techniques, with 2013 legislation that became effective for 2014 construction. The laws and regulations implemented in Illinois serve as a model for other states.
Using the details found in the Illinois Model Dwelling Code, Appendix F, and modifying it as necessary was an important step in advancing the radon initiatives to a point where overall risk reduction can be realized. Prior to the law, more homes were being built with problems than the number of homes that were being mitigated.
PARTNERS
The importance of partnering is something Mr. Daniels emphasizes. Working with partners, important outreach, education, testing and mitigation are achieved through the combined efforts of all concerned. Illinois partners include:
Illinois County Health Departments
The American Lung Association
Respiratory Health Association in Chicago
Southern Illinois University School of Medicine
Southern Illinois Radon Awareness Task Force
Cook County Environmental Control
The Illinois program is an example of how a program can develop over time to achieve radon risk reduction for the general population. Beginning with test result data first collected in 2003 and continuing to the present; adding important legislation on awareness, testing, mitigation and construction; and working with partners are elements of the successful Illinois Radon Program.
For more information, contact:
Patrick Daniels
IEMA Radon Program
Telephone: 217/782-1325
patrick.daniels@illinois.gov
Radon Hotline 800/325-1245
www.radon.illinois.gov
United States