by Margaret Henderson
The Montana Department of Environmental Quality Radon Control Program hosted its 2nd Montana Radon Conference, “Radon Education and Collaboration,” on March 18, 2016, in Helena, Montana.
The conference drew an audience of 35, present in person and by speaker phone. A varied agenda, featuring students, radon professionals, agency personnel and a representative of a radon health mine, provided for stimulating discussion and education about radon issues. The National Radon Proficiency Program approved the conference for an award of 4 CEUs for certified individuals.
Helena Schools Radon Projects featured presentations from nine students, representing St. Andrew School and Capital High School. One individual from St. Andrew explained her process for researching radon and radon health mines when doing a publications search. Another student whose family had installed a mitigation system described the experience of testing and researching the installation procedure. Capital High students presented information on a radon study they are conducting in Helena including radon testing in local homes.
A local certified professional explained the basics of testing and the process of installing mitigation systems. A representative from EPA gave an update on EPA and tribal radon activities.
An individual from the Free Enterprise Radon Health Mine located in Bolder, Montana, discussed topics of hormesis, and the procedures for interviewing and developing exposure schedules for visitors. Average radon levels at the mine range from 2000 to 3000 pCi/L. Four such radon health mines operate in Montana.
A panel presentation was given by representatives of Missoula and Flathead Counties. County strategic planning, outreach, radio ads, brochures and work with a radon coalition were some topics discussed. See http://www.missoularadon.org for information about the coalition.
For more information about the conference or radon in Montana, contact:
John Podolinsky
406-444-6592
State of Montana, Department of Environmental Quality, Radon Control Program
P.O. Box 200901
1520 East 6th Avenue
Helena, MT 59620
United States