Coalition building and citizen science for radon risk reduction

TL;DR

Local coalitions with citizen scientists and public libraries helped reduce radon exposure in homes by promoting testing and mitigation in rural communities.

Contribution

This study demonstrates how citizen science and multi-issue coalitions can effectively increase radon testing and mitigation in rural areas.

Findings

Coalitions reached local health departments, hospitals, and schools but received few resources.

Citizen scientists involved in coalitions had more experience disseminating radon information.

82% of library loan participants with high radon were likely to hire mitigation professionals.

Abstract

We evaluated the implementation of local coalitions led in partnership with citizen scientists, community-based organizations, and public libraries in four rural communities to lower exposure to radon in the home. The objectives were to (1) describe the Reach-Effectiveness-Adoption-Implementation-Maintenance (RE-AIM) of four radon coalitions, and (2) compare RE-AIM factors among citizen scientists who participated in the coalitions and those who did not. A larger community-engaged research project embedded coalition building using a citizen science approach. Three of the four coalitions focused on health and wellness more broadly (18–34 members); one focused solely on radon (10 members). Coalition membership and activities varied from marketing a radon detector Library Loan Program, community events, and in-library tabling events to working with government officials to sign National Radon Action Month proclamations. We used mixed methods to evaluate coalition-building using the RE-AIM framework. The coalitions were most likely to reach local health departments, hospitals, and schools. Although these partners were highly supportive, they provided few to no resources. Four in 10 citizen scientists were at least moderately involved in the coalition regardless of whether they had high home radon. Citizen scientists reported low awareness of both how frequently radon received local media attention and how favorably radon awareness, testing, and mitigation was portrayed in local media, particularly among those uninvolved in the coalition. Citizen scientists involved in the coalition had the most experience disseminating scientific information on radon and educating the public. The coalitions fostered radon mitigation as 82% of library loan participants with high radon were likely to hire a radon mitigation professional, and all said financial assistance would help them mitigate. Multi-issue health coalitions that engage citizen scientists and partner with public libraries can increase radon testing and build demand for mitigation in rural areas.

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