Researchers at the University of Kentucky, the Kentucky Geological Survey and other community partners are investigating ways to increase radon testing. A $2.6 million grant from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences is aimed at engaging and educating citizens on the heightened risk of lung cancer from environmental exposure to radon and tobacco smoke.
Principal Investigator Ellen Hahn said part of the project involves the distribution of electronic cellphone sized radon testing devices.
“I think it will give us a better sense of what the radon is in a longer period of time and then also in a continuous way, instead of just a snapshot look after three days. That’s how the charcoal based test works,” said Hahn.
Hahn says geologists will come in to gather soil and water samples in Logan, Christian, Pulaski, and Rowan Counties.
The research project calls for recruiting and training up to 60 community residents. In addition to fostering testing, the aim is to evaluate change in environmental health literacy and the ability to change health behavior.
The radon program calls for creating and evaluating a pilot program to loan electronic radon testing equipment through public libraries to 400 homeowners in the four counties.
UK Center for Appalachian Research in Environmental Sciences Director Ellen Hahn:
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