Communicating the risk from radon

Journal Article · Fri Nov 01 04:00:00 EST 1991 · Journal of the Air and Waste Management Association; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1080/10473289.1991.10466940· OSTI ID:5756772

Fisher, A ^[1]; McClelland, G H; Schulze, W D; Doyle, J K ^[2]

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1. US Environmental Protection Agency, Washington DC (United States)
2. Univ. of Colorado, Boulder (United States)

A prominent television station developed a special series of newscasts and public service announcements about radon. This was combined with their advertising of the availability of reduced-price radon test kits in a local supermarket chain. The large number of test kits sold was a success from a marketing perspective, but not from a public health perspective - especially because of the very small share of high readings that were mitigated. In contrast, a study of housing sales showed a much higher testing rate and corresponding mitigation when risk communication accompanied the housing transaction, rather than being directed toward the general public. This paper examined the relative effectiveness of these alternative approaches to radon risk communication, emphasizing the implications for developing and implementing radon programs.

• OSTI ID: 5756772
• Journal Information: Journal of the Air and Waste Management Association; (United States), Journal Name: Journal of the Air and Waste Management Association; (United States) Vol. 41:11; ISSN JAWAE; ISSN 1047-3289
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
540130* -- Environment
Atmospheric-- Radioactive Materials Monitoring & Transport-- (1990-)
540230 -- Environment
Terrestrial-- Radioactive Materials Monitoring & Transport-- (1990-)
BUILDINGS
EDUCATION
ELEMENTS
ENVIRONMENTAL TRANSPORT
FLUIDS
GASES
HAZARDS
HEALTH HAZARDS
HOUSES
INFORMATION DISSEMINATION
MASS TRANSFER
NONMETALS
POLLUTION REGULATIONS
PUBLIC HEALTH
RADIATION HAZARDS
RADIONUCLIDE MIGRATION
RADON
RARE GASES
REGULATIONS
REMEDIAL ACTION
RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS
RISK ASSESSMENT