The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has cited New Jersey as a success story in history by using public health tracking to increase radon testing rate.
CDC notes:
Most NJ Homes Were Not Tested for Cancer-causing Radon
Radon is a naturally occurring gas that can’t be seen and doesn’t have an odor. It is estimated to be the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, responsible for over 20,000 lung cancer deaths each year, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Most cases of radon-related lung cancer are preventable, and dangerously high levels of radon in homes can be mitigated to safe levels. In New Jersey, nearly six million residents live in moderate- to high-risk areas for radon. There is no mandatory requirement for radon testing in the state, and therefore between 1996 and 2015 only about 30% of homes in New Jersey had ever been tested for radon. Because testing of homes is voluntary in the state, outreach to residents is a key factor in increasing radon testing rates.
Tracking Program and Partners Raised Awareness for Testing
To coincide with Radon Action Month, the New Jersey Tracking Program (NJ Tracking) conducted an awareness campaign in January 2017. NJ Tracking partnered with the state’s Department of Environmental Protection and the Department of Health to promote radon testing and mitigation in over 500 cities. With their partners’ help, NJ Tracking sent informational mailings, posted a variety of social media messaging, produced and shared a podcast, participated in a radio interview to help increase awareness about the importance of testing homes for radon. In addition, NJ Tracking and partners gained the support of the Governor, who issued a proclamation encouraging testing homes for radon.
Radon Testing Reached a 3-Year High
Due to the outreach campaign, NJ Tracking saw an increase in web page use, social media interactions, and phone calls to the program about radon. Most importantly, the state’s radon database showed nearly a 40% increase in homes tested for radon during the month of January 2017, compared to the previous month. This marked the first increase in NJ radon testing rates in three years. Through increased testing and mitigation, New Jersey residents will likely experience less exposure to radon and reduce their risk of lung cancer.
Also see NJ success articles: https://www.nj.gov/health/ceohs/documents/epht/tra_action/improving_radon_awareness.pdf
and
https://www.nj.gov/health/ceohs/documents/epht/tra_action/improving_radon_awareness.pdf
Source and Disclaimer
Materials developed by CDC. Use of the material does not imply endorsement by CDC, ATSDR, HHS or the United States Government or CRCPD. The material is otherwise available on the CDC agency website for no charge.
United States