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333801
Is Measuring Radon throughout House Footprint Necessary?


Tuesday, November 3, 2015

Josiah Alamu, PhD, MPH, Public Health Department, University of Illinois Springfield, Springfield, IL
Sharron LaFollette, PhD, Department of Public Health, University of Illinois at Springfield, Springfield, IL
Background: Radon, a natural radioactive gas, is undetectable by human senses and is known to be a leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers in the United States. Thus, radon’s detection methodology and the regulations for licensed radon measurement and mitigation individuals are very important to protect the public health. The Illinois Emergency Management Agency’s (IEMA) protocol for Licensed Radon Measurement Professionals and Technicians requires that the radon test be performed in each foundation footprint (type) within a home or building (generally basement, crawlspace, and slab). Consequently, multiple measurements are expected within a single building, when the building has multiple footprints. These measurements may increase the homeowner expenses for radon gas testing.  We seek to determine whether the IEMA’s radon footprint requirement is beneficial to homeowners or to the public health or does it represent a redundant and an unnecessary policy.

Methods: We abstracted all radon measurement data from 2003 until 2012 (ten years) taken by the Licensed Radon Measurement Professionals and Technicians in Illinois. We used three ways ANOVA and Generalized Estimating Equations to determine the homogeneity of radon measurement from each foundation type in direct contact with soil or other materials (footprint).

Results: Results will be shared at the conference.

Conclusion: The cost of radon measurements and analysis of its benefit to the public health is very important will be discussed.

Learning Areas:

Biostatistics, economics
Environmental health sciences
Epidemiology
Public health or related public policy

Learning Objectives:
Evaluate whether the Illinois Emergency Agency's radon footprint requirement is beneficial to homeowners Compare the Illinois statewide average radon measurement with the national average Assess whether there is correlation between radon measurements from basement, crawlspace, and slab

Keyword(s): Regulations, Public Health Policy

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I have been co-principal investigator on radon gas measurement and its effect on public health. I have received funding from the Illinois Emergency Agency and have worked with the American Lung Association of Illinois to determine the cost benefit analysis of radon measurement in the state of Illinois. My key area is to understand the predictors of lung cancer besides smoking and its associated risk factors.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

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