Radon has been found in every county in South Carolina, and home test kits from many areas across the state have detected levels of radon above the EPA recommended action level of 4pCi/L. In an effort to raise awareness, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) has designed its approach to radon outreach in such a way as to attempt to reach as many South Carolinians as possible. The Department's new radon coordinator, Richelle Tolton, advises, “The only way to know is to test your own home.”
For National Radon Action Month in January 2015, outreach included a media-based campaign designed to reach a variety of audiences. A new advertisement was developed and published in 34 weekly newspapers with a readership of over 265,000 in the Upstate and Midlands regions of South Carolina. During January, the image on the left was added to the main agency webpage (www.scdhec.gov.) On Facebook and Twitter, the media relations staff of the department posted radon information, using some of the EPA press releases and videos.
Additionally the radon program’s website home page, http://www.scdhec.gov/radon/, features a prominent button to “Get a Free Radon Test Kit.” The link for Radon Facts, gives more in depth information and features several downloadable South Carolina publications, including one in English and Spanish on National Radon Action Month.
Brochures include:
- Building Radon Out
- National Radon Action Month Flier (English)
- National Radon Action Month Flier (Spanish)
- Radon Mitigation Consumer Checklist
- S.C. Radon Brochure
- What you need to know about Radon and your health
While National Radon Action Month focused on a media-based campaign, outreach in person and in different locations is provided throughout the year. The department reaches a variety of audiences through green events, festivals, and local health fair participation as well as working alongside a lung cancer support group.
One recent event, the radon poster contest, resulted in the creation of a colorful calendar. Nearly 150 poster designs were submitted for the contest. The 2015 Radon Awareness Calendar was compiled using the 13 finalists’ artwork and can be viewed and downloaded from http://www.scdhec.gov/library/CR-011260.pdf. All posters submitted were on display at their local DHEC offices for the month of February.
Richelle attended a national radon meeting in fall of 2014 and came away with inspiration for the calendar from a Connecticut example. She was also able to glean the importance of campaign phrasing from New York’s and EPA’s radon programs. The result is South Carolina's radon message: “Find it, Fix it, Save a life.” Using this message, the art staff of the department recently created a one-quarter page card about radon for distribution.
These and other ideas being developed in the coming months are providing fresh and updated communications and methods of interaction with South Carolinians about radon. Richelle notes that, “Thanks go to the technical staff who give support and guidance to the public throughout the testing and mitigation phases of addressing the radon excess levels in their homes.”
For more information, contact:
Richelle Tolton
South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control
http://www.scdhec.gov/radon
Toll- free:1-800-768-0362
Direct: 803-896-2333
United States