Public Perception of Radon

# The Radiation Control Division (Division) of the colorado Department of Health (Department) has a long history of intensive education efforts concerning the nature and effects of radon gas. Evaluation of these efforts was hindered by the lack of information on existing levels of knowledge, attitudes and behaviors. In order to obtain baseline information, the Division contracted with the Health Statistics Section of the Department to conduct a telephone survey in 1991. Results showed that while most Coloradans (87%) had heard of radon and 76% knew that prolonged exposure can be harmful to health, less than half knew how to test and even fewer (10%) had actually tested. A separate 1992 national survey shows Colorado ' s awareness levels and mitigation rates about the same, testing increasing 10-13%, with real estate sales-related testing being the prevalent cause of testing. This paper compares the survey results.