By Margaret Henderson
The potential for radon exposure exists throughout Kentucky and the Radon Program of the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services has strategies and partnerships for educating the public about the need to test for radon and mitigate if necessary.
As reported by the Kentucky Geological Survey, a horseshoe shaped region around central Kentucky, areas in central Kentucky and areas throughout the state may have elements that contribute to the potential for radon exposure. These may cause indoor air to have concentrations in excess of the 4pCi/L recommended action level of the EPA.
Using its State Indoor Radon Grant (SIRG), the Radon Program has created partnerships with local health departments and the University of Kentucky to develop educational materials and conduct projects to encourage members of the public to test their homes for radon.
Through using the expertise of the University of Kentucky Clean Indoor Air Partnership, projects with a strong educational focus have been developed. Clay Hardwick of the Radon Program credits the University of Kentucky personnel with having the expertise to prepare excellent charts and educational materials as well as conduct specific research upon request. The tools developed by the Partnership are distributed to local health departments that in turn promote and expand upon them with outreach to the public about radon health issues.
Another project the Partnership has developed and facilitated is the “Prescription for Radon Project” in certain Kentucky counties. The Partnership worked with doctors and nurses and set up presentations for Mr. Hardwick to make, taking the educational messages about radon into the community. A future project under development with the university now concerns the geology of Kentucky and radon potential. The project is in its early stages, with work beginning with geologists who will analyze information and develop FAQ (frequently asked questions) sheets about radon. Another contract with the university involves outreach activities at major events such as home shows and community gatherings. Educational exhibits about radon are presented in conjunction with other energy and indoor air topics. An additional project involving the medical community is a soon-to-be-launched website video on-line course about radon, developed by the university. The course will qualify as continuing medical education units (CMEUs) for physicians.
“Another exceptionally positive relationship has developed between the Radon Program and the Kentucky Cancer Consortium,” Mr. Hardwick reports. This has resulted in the inclusion of radon in the cancer action plan for the state. As a part of this plan, the Consortium and the Radon Program have developed radon strategies to address radon exposure issues.
By using expertise of the University of Kentucky and local health departments, and in partnering with the Kentucky Cancer Coalition, the Radon Program strategies are being accomplished at state and local levels—to reach the public and education them on the need to test for and mitigate excessive radon levels.
For more information on the Kentucky Geologic survey, visit
http://chfs.ky.gov/dph/info/phps/radongas.htm
For information about the Kentucky Radon Program, contact:
Clay Hardwick
Radon Program
http://chfs.ky.gov/dph/info/phps/radongas.htm
275 East Main Street
Frankfort, KY 40621
(502) 564-4856
clay.hardwick@ky.gov
United States