Year of Publication

2024

College

Public Health

Date Available

5-1-2024

Degree Name

Master of Public Health (M.P.H.)

Committee Member

Dr. Timothy Prince

Advisor

Dr. Florence Fulk

Co-Director of Graduate Studies

Dr. Anna Hoover

Abstract

Radon poses a large health risk to those exposed to it, as it is an invisible, odorless, carcinogenic gas. Kentucky has high ambient levels of radon, but public awareness remains low as tobacco has been publicized as the main cause of lung cancer. As Kentucky has the highest incidence of lung and bronchial cancers in the United States, we aimed to examine the state’s health department radon page to see if it has sufficient information to warn residents about radon and provide resources. We reviewed the current Kentucky public messaging, radon rates, testing rates, and legislation compared to Ohio, Washington, and Alaska, which all have high radon levels, and discovered weaknesses and areas which can be improved on in Kentucky’s public radon messaging. We synthesize recommendations of further messaging goals and pathways that can be adapted to further educate Kentucky’s population about the health risk radon poses and how to reduce their exposure and subsequent risk. These recommendations include an ad campaign conducted on Facebook in partnership with a trusted health authority, and advocacy goals to further protect Kentucky residents.

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