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Radon risk perception and testing: Sociodemographic correlates

Journal Article · · Journal of Environmental Health; (United States)
OSTI ID:5027784
;  [1]
  1. Battelle Memorial Inst., Washington, DC (United States). Technology Assessment and Policy Research Center
While numerous health education campaigns have been carried out to alert the public to radon's potential dangers and to encourage testing and mitigation, there has been little follow-up to determine which segments of the public are now most aware of the possible hazards of radon. Using information from the 1990 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), the authors have examined beliefs regarding radon and radon-testing activities among different sociodemographic groups. They used logistic regression to determine the relationship between these beliefs and actions and age, gender, education, income, minority status, and smoking status. The results suggest relatively superficial knowledge regarding radon, and very little testing, within the survey population. In particular, significantly less knowledge was observed among female and minority respondents, while less testing behavior was seen among older respondents. Lower educational levels and lower family income were associated with both decreased knowledge and testing. Recommendations for future education campaigns are discussed.
OSTI ID:
5027784
Journal Information:
Journal of Environmental Health; (United States), Journal Name: Journal of Environmental Health; (United States) Vol. 56:7; ISSN JEVHAH; ISSN 0022-0892
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English