Summary
The University of Georgia Radon Education Program provides education to homeowners, housing industry professionals and medical personnel about the health risk related to the exposure to high levels of radon gas. Educating the community will contribute to reduce the incidence of lung cancer as radon is the second leading cause for this condition and the first cause for non-smokers.
Situation
Radon causes an estimated 21,000 lung cancer deaths in the United States every year.
(U.S. Environmental Protection Agency). In Georgia more than 800 people die of radon related lung in the same period. Georgia's metro counties including DeKalb are considered high risk areas when compared with other counties in the state. Georgia also has the highest incidence of radon -induced deaths in the southeast of the United States. Radon affects real estate transactions, worries parents in the school system, surprises non- smokers and threatens the life of homeowners who envision living in a healthy and safe place.
The Radon Education program presents a united front against radon with nine federal agencies who are working to save lives from radon.
Response
The University of Georgia Radon Education Program is contributing to the educational efforts of the national plan by helping to increase the amount of people who know about radon. Awareness efforts includes activities to increase knowledge, promotional events to encourage testing and one on one consultation to provide alternatives for remediation when necessary.
A total of 22 educational programs and 12 exhibits were planned and implemented in the Atlanta Metro counties area reaching out to 1,736 participants. 365 test kits were distributed and or sold to homeowners. This year 88% of homeowners completed the testing process. Despite a reduction in the amount of test kits distributed in 2012 when compared with 2011 figures we observed a 38% increase in the completion of test when compared to the previous year. This is especially encouraging since testing is the only way to know if you have a radon problem in your home. 31% of the test kits where distributed in DeKalb County.
Impact
Eighty eight percent of those receiving or purchasing test kits completed the testing process compared with only fifty percent in 2011. 19 % of the homes tested showed elevated radon levels. This is slightly higher than the national level of 15%. Individual consultations were conducted with 533 homeowners regarding radon issues. 35 more residents than those in 2011 requested information about remediation procedures. All of them received education about the process of contacting and contracting with certified mitigation professionals in the state of Georgia. These consultations were expected to help increase the amount of homes mitigated in Georgia, contributing to the national goal of having 10 million homes mitigated by 2015, saving 6,500 lives.
The Georgia Radon Education program is expected to cease its educational functions in March of 2013. Due to funding issues the radon education conducted in DeKalb County and other metro counties will be conducted with limited resources by another radon educator.
This county extension agent will continue to provide education and guidance to homeowners as part of her basic programming. The knowledge and the science related to radon and the health risk related to it are still valid and important to be considered by homeowners in Georgia.
State Issue
Healthy, Safe and Affordable Housing Environments
Details
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Year:
2012
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Geographic Scope:
Multi-County
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County:
DeKalb
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Program Areas:
- Family and Consumer Sciences
