by Margaret Henderson
In Vermont, data from radon test results (1993-2012) indicated that much of the state has radon levels exceeding the 4pCi/L recommended action level set by EPA. One in eight homes in Vermont exceeds the action level and some sub-county areas have reported levels of between 15.8 and 32.6 pCi/L.
The Vermont Department of Health, Environmental Health Radon Program, performs a variety of activities and provides outreach and education in support of the goal of reducing indoor radon exposures.
The program:
- Encourages testing for radon and mitigating as needed;
- Educates the public about the health risks of radon exposure;
- Measures radon in schools; and
- Provides education about and encourage Radon Resistant New Construction.
Number of contacts the program receives varies, but generally people contact the program in order to:
- Obtain a long term test kit for radon in air;
- Learn how to use the test kit (appropriate placement);
- Learn how to interpret the results of their test kit;
- Learn how many people have tested and what are the average levels of radon in their area (town, community); and
- Obtain a list of radon mitigators.
Vermont does not register/certify measurement providers or mitigation providers. According to the national professional certification organization (http://aarst-nrpp.com/wp/database-search/) there are:
- 36 certified measurement providers servicing Vermont (9 are based in VT); and
- 34 certified mitigation providers servicing Vermont (11 are based in VT).
Outreach activities include distributing free long term test kits for radon in air. In January 2016 the program added a post to Front Porch Forum (an online neighborhood/community forum in Vermont) informing the community about the risks of radon exposure and instructions for how to obtain a free test kit. In addition to distributing free long term test kits, the program provides follow-up with mitigation information for those with results at or above 4 pCi/L.
The program is in the process of distributing 2100+ kits from this campaign alone. Another planned activity is the Lung Force Walk in June 2016. The program provides booths and tables at local events such as Better Building by Design Conference, Lung Force Walk, and others.
For more information, contact:
Michelle Reddinger
http://healthvermont.gov/enviro/rad/Radon.aspx
Call toll free in Vermont: 1-800-439-8550
Vermont Department of Health 
Environmental Health Radon Program
United States