by Margaret Henderson
“Successes and Challenges in Implementation of Radon Control Activities in Iowa, 2010-2015,” published April 14, 2016, by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests that other states could use the Iowa approach of using many stakeholders and entities to improve radon awareness and increase testing and mitigation.
The Iowa Cancer Consortium, the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) and the Iowa Radon Coalition lead the radon efforts in Iowa. In Iowa, 70% of the homes have radon concentrations above the action level recommended by EPA (4pCi/L). The report credits the collaborative methods and efforts of the state radon program and its partners with several successes. Between 2009 and 2014, there was a 20% increase in radon tests completed and also a 108% increase in mitigations completed by mitigators who held certifications. (Radon professionals are licensed for radon testing and mitigation by the IDPH.) The report does note that improved data collection and analysis are needed for more complete impact analysis. The IDEP is working to improve such systems.
The study, a Community Case Study, gives methods of the study and interpretations along with discussions of:
- community context;
- methods of the coalition for improving awareness and increasing testing and mitigation; and
- outcomes of the work in Iowa.
To view the entire report, see http://www.cdc.gov/Pcd/issues/2016/15_0596.htm
Source:
Bain AA, Abbott AL, Miller LL. Successes and Challenges in Implementation of Radon Control Activities in Iowa, 2010–2015. Prev Chronic Dis 2016;13:150596. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5888/pcd13.150596.
For further information about Iowa’s radon initiatives, visit the website:
http://idph.iowa.gov/radon
For more information about radon in Iowa, contact:
Rick Welke
(800) 383-5992
(515) 281-4928
Iowa Department of Public Health
321 E 12th Street
Des Moines IA, 50319-0075
United States