Jerry M Spiegel1, Daniel Krewski. 1. Department of Community Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB. jerry.spiegel@ubc.ca
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The objective of this investigation was to determine the effectiveness of Canada's residential radon exposure guideline in influencing individuals' health protection decisions. METHOD: Homeowners with known exposure levels in a high residential radon area (Winnipeg, Manitoba) were surveyed to document what they had done and spent to reduce their exposure to radon. The 507 respondents were then re-surveyed to elucidate their response to hypothetical scenarios. Logistic regression was used to model risk reduction decisions as a function of exposure and other explanatory variables. RESULTS: Homeowners were only likely to have taken action to reduce exposure at levels exceeding 1,100 Bq/m3, well above Canada's guideline of 800 Bq/m3. However, when informed of the guideline, respondents indicated they would act at exposures of 702 Bq/m3. INTERPRETATION: The Canadian residential radon exposure guideline, as it has been implemented, has not effectively prompted homeowner actions to reduce exposures to radon.
BACKGROUND: The objective of this investigation was to determine the effectiveness of Canada's residential radon exposure guideline in influencing individuals' health protection decisions. METHOD: Homeowners with known exposure levels in a high residential radon area (Winnipeg, Manitoba) were surveyed to document what they had done and spent to reduce their exposure to radon. The 507 respondents were then re-surveyed to elucidate their response to hypothetical scenarios. Logistic regression was used to model risk reduction decisions as a function of exposure and other explanatory variables. RESULTS: Homeowners were only likely to have taken action to reduce exposure at levels exceeding 1,100 Bq/m3, well above Canada's guideline of 800 Bq/m3. However, when informed of the guideline, respondents indicated they would act at exposures of 702 Bq/m3. INTERPRETATION: The Canadian residential radon exposure guideline, as it has been implemented, has not effectively prompted homeowner actions to reduce exposures to radon.