Degree Name
MSEH (Master of Science in Environmental Health)
Program
Environmental Health
Date of Award
8-2003
Committee Chair or Co-Chairs
Kurt Maier
Committee Members
Creg S. Bishop, John H. Kalbfleisch
Abstract
Effective risk communication is based on appropriate risk characterization. A reevaluation of the 1987 US EPA radon risk categorization of Unicoi County Tennessee was conducted using in-home radon concentrations, determined in a long-term monitoring study. Radon concentrations were measured in 69 homes using Electret Passive Environmental Radon Monitors (E-PERM’s), following standard methods. Radon concentrations determined in this study (avg. 4.03 ± 3.04) were significantly higher than those measured in the USEPA study (avg. 1.96 ± 1.08). Using this study’s data, the risk categorization was recalculated with the US EPA Radon Index Matrix Model. The model re-categorized Unicoi County from a moderate to a high risk zone classification. These results suggest that the health risks associated with in-home radon concentrations are inaccurately categorized and communicated to the citizens of Unicoi County, Tennessee.
Document Type
Thesis - unrestricted
Recommended Citation
Parsons, William Grant, "A Re-Evaluation of the US EPA Radon Risk Categorization for Unicoi County, Tennessee." (2003). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. Paper 805. https://dc.etsu.edu/etd/805
Copyright
Copyright by the authors.