Radon Gas
The biggest problem that should be noted is that it is colorless and odorless, and most individuals do not view it as significant threat that needs to be addressed. It is necessary to understand the measures that should be taken to reduce possible risks.
Human Exposure
It is also paramount to note that it is especially harmful to smokers because their cells are already weakened (Laurance par. 5). It needs to be said that dose-response is still not thoroughly researched, and one of the studies has shown that the association is nonlinear and dependent on a broad range of factors (Duan et al. 267).
Prevention Information
It is paramount to explain to the population that it is necessary to make sure that all the buildings are tested, and the presence of this gas does not depend on geographic location as much as most believe (Rodriguez par. 2). The tools that are currently available such as electronic exposure meter are incredibly easy to use in most environments (Karinda, Haider, and Rühm 1170). One also needs to make sure that the workplace is also tested. One should be concerned if the results are close to two pCi/L and four pCi/L because these numbers are listed as dangerous by Environmental Protection Agency (Dombrauckas par. 2). It is paramount to educate the community on this issue because it is still perceived as not significant most of the time. Materials with all the necessary information should be developed and given out. It is also imperative to list the symptoms that are associated with this condition such as coughing, wheezing, and others to make sure that one understands when to contact the health care provider.
Monitoring
The most significant aspect that should be considered by the health department is the minimization of exposure to the gas if it is possible. Clinical assessment is necessary if there is a suspicion that an individual of a group of people has been poisoned. The findings should help to evaluate the condition of the patient, and the treatment options have to be considered. It needs to be said that numerous factors influence the levels of radon, and measurements that are taken may not be correct in some cases. Furthermore, it is imperative to perform tests regularly to minimize possible risks. It is essential to cooperate with trained professionals because they can analyze the data that was collected.
Evaluation
Outcome evaluation is the preferred method of assessment in this case. A change in people’s opinion is one of the most significant aspects that should be assessed with a use of such tools as surveys and personal interviews. Changes in the environment will also be evaluated because it is one of the core aspects of this problem. The biggest strength of this approach is that it will focus on education because an enormous number of cases may be prevented if individuals have access to necessary information on this topic. However, it needs to be said that some limitations are also present. The most significant problem is that it is likely that the amount of resources that are available will not be enough to guarantee the safety of the community. Overall, it is paramount to say that this approach is going to be extremely efficient in most cases. The risks that are associated with exposure to this gas are expected to reduce dramatically
Works Cited
Axelsson, Gosta, Eva Andersson, and Lars Barregard. “Lung Cancer Risk from Radon Exposure in Dwellings in Sweden: How Many Cases Can Be Prevented if Radon Levels are Lowered?” Cancer Causes & Control 26.4 (2015): 541-547.
Dombrauckas, Jill. Signs of Radon Gas Poisoning. Livestrong, 2013. Web.
Duan P. et al. “Nonlinear Dose-response Relationship between Radon Exposure and the Risk of Lung Cancer: Evidence from a Meta-analysis of Published Observational Studies.” Eur J Cancer Prev. 24.5 (2015): 267-277. Print.
Karinda, F.L., B. Haider, and W. Rühm. “A new electronic personal exposure meter for radon gas.” Radiation Measurements 43.2 (2008): 1170-1174.
Laurance, Jeremy. “Radon Gas: the Silent Killer in the Countryside.”Independent. Independent, 2011. Web.
Rodriguez, Natalie. “How to Test for and Get Rid of Radon.”This Old House. This Old House, n.d. Web.