The second leading cause of lung cancer is exposure to radon gas. Radon is a radioactive gas that can not be seen or smelled. In my opinion, the general population is not informed about radon, since it's not talked about. We understand that various health risks exist due to radon exposure. In order for the population to understand the risks and learn ways to better their environment, a national campaign would work with state and local stakeholders to bring awareness to this issue. At the national level, I would work with the EPA to improve the information already available and to improve the access to that information. I would also work agencies such as the EPA and U.S Department of Health and Human Services and local Health Departments to provide radon tests to those individuals unable to afford it. I would work with various national health organizations like the American Cancer Society, American Lung Association, and the American Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists to create educational programs at the state level to help individuals understand the risks of radon. I would also work with the department of Education, at all levels of government to incorporate Environmental and Occupational health education as part of their curriculum. Social media would take a big role in publicizing all available information and resources regarding the effects of radon.
Using different social media and news networks, I would work with various national, state, and local organizations to promote awareness. Finally, during the Lung Cancer Awareness Month in November, I would work with various community organizations, student groups, and local agencies to promote create events or participate in events that promote various environmental hazard that lead to lung cancer.
I agree in that the public in general is not informed about the health effects of radon. I myself learned about radon doing this assignment. Great idea to work with community organizations during the Lung Cancer Awareness Month to promote education and awareness. Besides national organizations, there are many stakeholders that we can involve in our campaign including health care professionals, public health officials, educators, engineers, environmentalists, students, religious organizations, relatives, friends, coworkers, neighbors, classmates, etc.
ReplyDeleteI also agree that the general public is not aware of the dangers of radon. After watching The Office, they even had a parody intro where the main character disregarded the radon test in the office simply because he was not aware of the dangers. Although it is a TV show, it illustrates the lack of awareness in the general public.
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