risk communication approaches are not operating in an inclusive manner, with issues in messaging identified on the basis of ethnicity, region, education, age, sex, and profession24,25,26,27,28.
A majority of public radon-related health strategies focus on getting individuals to
test buildings and personally invest in radon mitigation to remove risk. By relying solely
on individual action, there is an inherent
reliance on individual motivation and capability, influenced by socioeconomic factors and social determinants of health, to act to reduce the health threat of radon exposure29,30. This can result in inequitable exposure and hence increased risk for lung cancer in those groups
less likely to take personal action to mitigate
risk. More specifically, how long it takes some- one to first become aware of radon, obtain a test, complete a test, or act (based on the outcome of a test), and whether they do (or are able to afford) any of this at all, are influenced by education, income, information processing capability, emotional reactions, and decision- making to both measure and remove radon as a source of lifetime lung cancer risk. Consider a simple example of a low income family in a basement rental unit struggling with food insecurity and medical expenses—checking and/or mitigating their radon exposure is unlikely to be prioritized above more fundamental needs. The influence of these factors on radon exposure, particularly on doses of alpha radiation experienced at an individual level, are not well understood.
To address this, we assessed if emotional reactions, economic barriers, and decision- making following radon test outcomes differed between people who performed long term radon test, and how this impacted long term radiation exposure. Our main objective was to determine whether select social, economic, and behavioural differences were variables that modified radiation exposure, beyond baseline doses understood from household radon levels alone.
1 becquerel is equivalent to 27.027 picocurie (1 Bq is equivalent to 27.027 pCi)
###
... continued from pg 47.
The message of the second approach is that lots of folks are doing it and it can be done right. This is a more constructive message and portrays you as a “problem solver.” In today’s environment, where most people are familiar with radon, you don’t have to get into health risks and mechanisms. Rather, focus on proper testing
and proper mitigation with a catch phrase like: “All homes can be fixed - and I am going to share how that can be done in a timely manner.”
Boom -- Put on your Captain America suit and
get ‘er done.
Another piece of advice is to speak to the capability of the radon industry, rather than just what you or your company does. And never, ever slam your competition. If you show your audience how testing is properly conducted, and/or photos of proper mitigation systems, while pointing out elements of the standards, they are smart enough to recognize or recall non-compliance. Put yourself out there as a knowledgeable person and not a whiner. If you gain the respect of the audience by the objectivity you display as well as your command of the technology, they will find you or refer business to you when the need arises. In other words, let your professionalism be your business card.
A third recommendation has to do with your mindset. You want to “engage” the audience and to do so you need to empathize with the audience. In other words, step back and Be the Audience. You need to do this when you prepare the program as well as when you deliver the program. So, when rearranging or creating your slides, ask yourself what you, as an audience member, would want to learn? Remember, this is about them - not you. Also, ask yourself what gripes or objections they might have and be prepared to speak to them. That shows you are empathetic to their needs rather than forcing a canned presentation down their throats.
As far as nervousness goes, there is no reason to be nervous if you have prepared yourself well enough and have anticipated questions that may arise. The key is to realize that you know a lot about the topic and are honest enough to admit it when you don’t know something. Honesty is better than making something up, which an audience can spot in a heartbeat and cause you to lose all credibility.
As far as questions, train yourself to repeat the question. This not only allows the audience to understand the context in which you are providing an answer, but more importantly, gives you a moment to think before you put your mouth in gear and say something wrong. Repeating the question can also allow you to rephrase the question to where you can provide a much more appropriate answer. Simply listen to any news conference (and we have had a lot lately) and you can experience how important it is to repeat the question and how some speakers do this well and others do not.
These are just some of the highlights but if you are considering getting up in front of the crowd but are little uneasy, we encourage you to get additional training to do so. It can be enjoyable; it helps the outreach effort, and it is a good way to market yourself, as a radon professional, helping to solve a serious problem.
Delivering Radon Programs cont'. from pg 40
Friday, 17 April 2020 09:43
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