Contributed by Jason Frame, B.S. R.T. (R), Program Chief
The West Virginia Radon Program focuses on public outreach and education on the potential negative health effects of radon gas exposure. This is accomplished through informational presentations, electronic and print media, free radon kit distribution, and organizational partnerships. The program also is mandated by state code §18-9E-3. Air quality in new schools to test new schools for radon upon initial construction and every five years afterward.
The program receives approximately 900 annual contacts by email, phone and in writing. These contacts range from citizens seeking help with radon detection and mitigation within their homes to radon professional seeking licensure to work in West Virginia.
By state code Chapter16 Article 34 all radon testers, mitigators, contractors, and laboratories must be licensed by the state Department of Health and Human Resources before working in West Virginia. Currently there are 59 testers and 30 mitigators licensed to work in West Virginia.
Each year, January is National Radon Action Month. The West Virginia Radon Program participates annually with multiple public outreach presentations throughout the state. This summer the program is sponsoring the “Wheels of Hope” cancer benefit bicycle race in Lewisburg, West Virginia.
Free radon test kits are distributed by the program upon request to all West Virginia citizens along with various publications which help to increase resident’s knowledge of radon, understanding the dangers associated with excessive radon exposure and tips for how to reduce exposure in the home.
The West Virginia Radon Program partners with several local health departments within the state to provide radon outreach and education at a local level. These activities are funded through a sub-grant to the local health departments. Media advertisements including newspaper, radio, and movie theater screen ads have been utilized to increase local awareness of the potentials dangers of radon exposure.
Radon gas is present throughout West Virginia, but the northern and eastern border counties of the state are at highest risk and are therefore designated as Zone 1 high risk areas. (Zone 1 radon concentrations are expected to exceed 4pCi/L, the EPA recommended action level.)
For further information, contact:
Radon: http://www.wvdhhr.org/rtia/radon.asp
Licensing: http://www.wvdhhr.org/rtia/licensing.asp
Program Chief: Jason Frame, B.S. R.T. (R)
(304) 356-4303-Voice
(304) 558-0524-Fax
800-922-1255 (Radon-Toll free in-state)
Email: Jason.R.Frame@wv.gov
United States