Testing program looks for radon from radium in Radium, Kansas

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Source: Brian Hanson, 785-532-4996; e-mail bhanson@k-state.edu
News release prepared by: Mary Rankin, 785-532-6715; mrankin@k-state.edu

Wednesday, May 18, 2005

TESTING PROGRAM LOOKS FOR RADON FROM RADIUM IN RADIUM (KANSAS)

MANHATTAN -- Overwhelming support and participation from a small community in southwest Kansas produced successful results when the Kansas Radon Program at Kansas State University went looking for radon in Radium, Kan.

The State Indoor Radon Grant through EPA Region VII funds the program, operated by engineering extension in the College of Engineering, by contract with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.

Radon is a naturally occurring, radioactive soil gas generated through decay of the metallic element radium. The gas can infiltrate residences and other buildings, sometimes in very high concentrations, and over time lead to an increased risk of lung cancer.

"When we came upon the existence of the small community of Radium, here in Kansas," said Brian Hanson, radon program coordinator at K-State, "we felt we had a unique opportunity to offer a blanket testing program for that city, and then use the uniqueness of the name to promote residential radon testing throughout the state."

And Radium residents stepped up to the plate, with 23 of the 26 testable structures in the town signing on, following an informational town meeting March 10. Hanson gave a presentation on radon at this meeting, handled questions, and gave instruction on use of the E-Perm Electret Ion Chamber radon testing device.

"Inclusion was key to the success of this project," Hanson said. "Gaining support of the Radium city and clerk and city commission, and the Stafford County Research and Extension Office, following initial contact with them, was vital to gaining good access to the community members."

Hanson provided E-Perm kits for each self-contained structure in the community, including all residences, the community building, the former local school and the Co-op office. The data-collection phase of the program was completed one week later on March 17, when residents returned all but three of the kits to the city clerk.

"At nearly 90 percent community participation, the program to test all applicable structures in Radium, Kan., showed that small rural communities will respond positively to targeted educational programs on indoor air quality," said Bruce Snead, radon and indoor air quality specialist with engineering extension.

Radium tested in the range expected for Stafford County, rated as a Zone 2 by EPA, indicating a moderate risk of elevated radon levels, or one in six homes. The third phase of the program took place in May when Snead returned to Radium to present a program on mitigation options for structures with elevated radon levels.

"We hope to use the success of the 'looking for radon from radium in Radium' program to encourage statewide voluntary participation in our program," Hanson said.