by Margaret Henderson
Statewide, of 73,280 Nebraska houses tested, 59% had radon levels in excess of 4pCi/L, the EPA recommended action level. In order to reach the statewide audience, the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (NDHHS) Radon Program in partnership with NET Connects produced a web broadcast to provide radon information.
NET Connects, of the Nebraska National Public Radio, is a partnership with local non-profit, educational, governmental, and public service organizations that creates productions that examine and present issues that are important to Nebraska. Through this medium, the video reaches viewers statewide on NET World, on the web and mobile media.
“Radon Awareness” features local panelists who present their experiences and expertise about radon. The video begins with an oncology nurse discussing her lung cancer condition.
A segment on radon testing and mitigation provided by Jeremy Powell, Indoor Air Quality Program Manager of NDHHS, explained about testing and showed types of tests and discussed possible findings. A representative of the local health department explained the role of the department in education. A homeowner shared her experience testing her home for the first time, doing her own testing. Her test result was 20 pCi/L and she explored options for mitigation and had the mitigation performed. Her mitigation project was completed without incident within about four hours.
Next, the video presented an overview of radon in Nebraska. Mr. Powell explained the average test result is 6.3 pCi/L and more than half of the homes tested exceed the action level. Nationwide, Nebraska ranks 4th in country for highest radon levels. An epidemiologist discussed the view of disease in the population as related to radon. Nebraska has around 1200 new cases of lung cancer each year. Incident rates were discussed. A Cancer Action Network presenter explained the need to address radon, including through new construction.
To see the video, view http://netnebraska.org/basic-page/television/radon-awareness
For more information on radon in Nebraska, contact:
http://dhhs.ne.gov/publichealth/Pages/radon_index.aspx
Telephone: 402-471-1005
United States