Abstract
BackgroundRadon gas has recently become more prominent in discussions of lung cancer prevention nationally and in Iowa. A review in 2013 of cancer plans in the National Comprehensive Cancer Control Program found that 42% of cancer plans, including Iowa’s, had terminology on radon. Plans included awareness activities, home testing, remediation, policy, and policy evaluation.Community ContextIowa has the highest average radon concentrations in the United States; 70% of homes have radon concentrations above the Environmental Protection Agency’s action levels. Radon control activities in Iowa are led by the Iowa Cancer Consortium, the Iowa Department of Public Health, and the Iowa Radon Coalition.MethodsA collaborative approach was used to increase levels of awareness, testing, and (if necessary) mitigation, and to introduce a comprehensive radon control policy in Iowa by engaging partners and stakeholders across the state.OutcomeThe multipronged approach and collaborative work in Iowa appears to have been successful in increasing awareness: the number of radon tests completed in Iowa increased by 20% from 19,600 in 2009 to 23,500 in 2014, and the number of mitigations completed by certified mitigators increased by 108% from 2,600 to more than 5,400.InterpretationThrough collaboration, Iowa communities are engaged in activities that led to increases in awareness, testing, mitigation, and policy. States interested in establishing a similar program should consider a multipronged approach involving multiple entities and stakeholders with different interests and abilities. Improvements in data collection and analysis are necessary to assess impact.
Highlights
Radon gas has recently become more prominent in discussions of lung cancer prevention nationally and in Iowa
The Comprehensive Cancer Control Program in Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH)’s Bureau of Chronic Disease Prevention and Management provides oversight of radon activities implemented by the Iowa Cancer Consortium (ICC)
When an intervention opportunity is initiated by the Iowa Radon Coalition (IRC), existing partners and coalition members are recruited
Summary
When an intervention opportunity is initiated by the IRC, existing partners and coalition members are recruited. The IRC worked with the Iowa Bankers Association to publish a newsletter article in January 2014 recommending that member banks offer unsecured low-interest loans for mitigation To ensure that those who are not eligible for or unable to repay loans have mitigation options, the ICC and its partners disseminated information about assistance provided by local organizations. Iowa communities are engaged in the issue of radon exposure through collaborative efforts, and this engagement has led to improvements in awareness, testing, mitigation, and policy. The number of test kits used to test a home depends on square footage and the personal choice of the tester These data are not readily available to the public or to advocates of radon testing; this lack of availability presents concerns for program evaluation and for members of the general public who are interested in learning about radon levels in their community. Improvements in data collection and analysis are necessary to accurately assess the impact of the multipronged approach and collaboration
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