5 research outputs found
Radon: An Opportunity for Preventative Health
Radon is a colorless and odorless radioactive gas produced by the natural decay of uranium in rock and soil. Long term exposure to radon gas is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers, and the second leading cause over all after smoking. Children exposed to unsafe levels of radon are particularly vulnerable because smaller lungs and faster respiratory rates are thought to result in higher radiation doses compared with adults. One in eight homes in Vermont contain unsafe levels of radon gas compared with one in fifteen homes nationally. Radon gas exposure is not currently addressed as a preventative health measure in primary care clinics. This intervention was aimed at creating a radon resource document embedded as a âsmart phraseâ in EPIC enabling clinicians to rapidly provide clear information for patients without encumbering time constrained appointments. The intent is to equip providers with a tool for introducing the topic of radon at pediatric well visits and give patients access to additional information included in their After Visit Summaries.https://scholarworks.uvm.edu/fmclerk/1469/thumbnail.jp
Radon, From the Ground into Our Schools: Parent/Guardian Awareness of Radon Levels in Vermont Schools
Introduction. Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers. Ex- posure to radon in schools may be harmful to schoolchildren, faculty, and staff, but there is currently no legislation mandating testing or mitigation of radon levels in Vermont schools.
Objectives. The goal of our study was to assess Vermont parentsâ awareness of radonâs harmful effects, as well as awareness of and support for testing and mitigation of radon levels in their childrenâs schools.
Methods. We distributed paper and online surveys to Vermont parents of children grades K-12. 126 surveys were received and quantitatively analyzed. We held a focus group of two Vermont parents to gather qualitative data.
Results. Most surveyed parents demonstrated general knowledge of radon, but only 51% believed that radon affects the lungs. 8% were confident that their childrenâs schools had informed them about radon levels. 91.2% believe their childrenâs schools should take action to address elevated radon levels and 87% would support mandated mitigation. There is some concern and lack of knowledge about the financial implications of radon mitigation.
Conclusions. Most Vermont parents of children grades K-12 are unaware that radon is a lung carcinogen and do not know their childrenâs schoolâs radon levels or mitigation status. However, most are in favor of legislation that would require testing and dis- closure of schoolsâ high radon levels. Educating parents about school radon levels and their association with lung cancer could be a foundation for community support of legislation that mandates testing and mitigation of radon in Vermont schools.https://scholarworks.uvm.edu/comphp_gallery/1252/thumbnail.jp