Radon Gas Exposure Knowledge Among Public Health Educators, Health Officers, Nurses, and Registered Environmental Health Specialists: A Cross-Sectional Study
Abstract
Radon gas exposure is the leading cause of lung cancer among nonsmokers in the U.S. People exposed to elevated levels of radon gas have a higher risk of developing lung cancer. Public health workers are change agents and their roles in protecting and improving the health of their communities are well documented. This study surveyed 386 public health educators, health officers, nurses, and registered environmental health specialists working in public health departments. We found significant differences (p < .01) in knowledge about radon gas exposure among public health workers. These findings suggest that the role of public health workers in disseminating information about environmental hazards to the communities they serve should be well-defined. Government agencies, including public health departments, will have to combine efforts to achieve the long-term goal of the 1988 Indoor Radon Abatement Act (IRAA). Training of public health workers about environmental hazards should be a priority to achieve the IRAA goal.
Authors
- Paschal Nwako, MPH, PhD, REHS, DAAS, Camden County Department of Health and Human Services
- Terrence Cahill, EdD, School of Health and Medical Sciences, Seton Hall University
Page #: 22-28
Publication Month: January/February 2020
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