Radon: A health problem and a communication problem
- Key Technology, Inc., Jonestown, PA (United States)
The US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) is making great efforts to alert the American public to the potential health risks of radon in homes. The news media have widely publicized radon as a problem; state and local governments are responding to public alarms; and hundreds of radon {open_quotes}experts{close_quotes} are now offering radon detection and mitigation services. Apparently, USEPA`s communication program is working, and the public is becoming increasingly concerned with radon. But are they concerned with radon as a {open_quotes}health{close_quotes} problem in the way USEPA intended? The answer is yes, partly. More and more, however, the concerns are about home resale values. Many homebuyers are now deciding whether to buy on the basis of a single radon screening measurement, comparing it with USEPA`s action guide of 4 pCi L{sup {minus}1}. They often conclude that 3.9 is OK, but 4.1 is not. Here is where the communication problems begin. The public largely misunderstands the significance of USEPA`s guidelines and the meaning of screening measurements. Seldom does anyone inquire about the quality of the measurements, or the results of USEPA performance testing? Who asks about the uncertainty of lifetime exposure assessments based on a 1-hour, 1-day, 3-day, or even 30-day measurement? Who asks about the uncertainty of USEPA`s risk estimates? Fortunately, an increasing number of radiation protection professions are asking such questions. They find that USEPA`s risk projections are based on many assumptions which warrant further evaluation, particularly with regard to the combined risks of radon and cigarette-smoking. This is the next communication problem. What are these radiation professions doing to understand the bases for radon health-risk projections? Who is willing to communicate a balanced perspective to the public? Who is willing to communicate the uncertainty and conservatism in radon measurements and risk estimates?
- OSTI ID:
- 44926
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-901010--Pt.2
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Origin and health risks of indoor radon
Uncertainties in risk assessment at USDOE facilities