2nd National Extension Nat Res Conference-Abstract 22

Jesse C. LaPrade, Extension Environmental Specialist, Project Director, Radon/IAQ Program, 210 Extension Hall, Auburn University, AL 36849-5647; 334.844.5533; jlaprade@acesag.auburn.edu; and Barbara Mobley, Extension Environmental Program Specialist, 1019 Edgewood Drive, Anniston, AL 36207; 256.831.5278; bmobley@acesag.auburn.edu

The Radon/Indoor Air Quality Project, ETP-510, was targeted in 15 Zone 1 counties for radon incidence in Alabama in FY-98 and FY-99, and was funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region IV through the Alabama Department of Public Health. Partnerships have been developed with the University of Alabama, Tennessee Valley Authority, the Alabama Lung Association, County Health Councils, and the Southern Regional Radon Training Center at Auburn University, as well as the funding agencies.

This program is designed to help citizens better understand the health threat of living environments that have elevated levels of radon and other indoor air pollutants with a goal of reaching 5 specific segments of the population: realtors, home builders, school officials, youth and the general public. Extension personnel have worked with local citizenry through collaborative efforts with 16 other organizations that promote health awareness, including civic, professional, and business organizations. Working with real estate agents, agencies, and associations has been successful in all counties. There have been 211 members of Builder Associations that have been trained by special seminars, with 41 requesting in-depth video training. More than 250 publications on detailed techniques used in radon-resistant construction have been distributed to participants. Several builders have received certificates signifying that they offer radon-resistant construction. The state association for homebuilders has requested and received a news release on radon-resistant construction, which reached more than 8,000 builders and developers through their professional magazine.

In total, there have been more than 8.8 million indirect contacts and more than 82,000 direct contacts reported by county agents participating in this program since October 1997.