Characterization of communities with low radon-testing activities through a longitudinal study

Keywords: indoor air, radon, racial segregation, environmental justice
Session Type: Virtual Paper Abstract
Day: Saturday
Session Start / End Time: 2/26/2022 03:40 PM (Eastern Time (US & Canada)) - 2/26/2022 05:00 PM (Eastern Time (US & Canada))
Room: Virtual 70

Abstract

Radon exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. This research aims at understanding geospatial variation in radon-screening activities and the associated neighborhood characteristics. To achieve this objective, we collected initial radon tests, parcel data, and census data in DeKalb, a suburban county in Metropolitan Atlanta, Georgia. Spatial smoothing technique was used to generate radon testing rates. We surveyed 200 homeowners in the areas of low screening rates. Spatial regression models were used to understand the spatial variation in the radon-screening activities and its association with socioeconomic factors in communities. Results suggest that educational attainment, especially bachelor’s degree, income level, and housing values were significantly correlated with radon screening rates. Our field experience suggested that more than half (53%) reported they had never heard of radon before, and the remaining 47% did not take testing action despite their awareness. This finding highlights the need to increase radon literacy. Our ongoing REMOVE program (radon evaluation, mitigation, and ventilation; REMOVE) funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation will examine knowledge about radon and awareness of screening services in predominately African American communities. We will then develop community-oriented health messages to empower African American homeowners so that they can effectively take actions to become knowledgeable about and reduce their risks of exposure to radon.