4 SAGE Open
Figure 3 . Comparison of radon knowledge and likelihood to support radon testing in schools based on knowledge of radon . The *** indicates that there is a significant difference with a p-value ≤ . 05 . Error bars represent the standard deviation for each of the means .
but people with more knowledge tended to be more likely to support legislation . These data are displayed in Figure 3 .
The grade level of the children of participants was also recorded . Sixty percent of participants had children in elementary school , 32 % had children in middle school , and 28 % had children in high school . Several parents had children in more than one grade level . When stratified by grade level of children , parents of elementary school children were significantly more likely to support radon testing ( p = . 002 ), mitigation ( p = . 012 ) and legislation mandating testing ( p = . 011 ), mitigation ( p = . 009 ) than parents without elementary school children . These data are displayed in Figure 4 . There were no significant differences in support for radon regulation among parents of middle or high school students .
There were no significant differences in support for testing , mitigation , or legislation requiring regulation of radon among survey participants based on age , gender , level of education , household income , household radon testing status , or urban versus rural county of residence .
In addition to the survey data , a small group interview was conducted with two community parents . Thematic content analysis of this interview revealed three overarching themes : ( a ) knowledge and awareness of radon , ( b ) financial implications for schools and taxpayers , and ( c ) responsibility for public safety and its precedence .
Discussion
The majority of parents responding to the survey demonstrated a general knowledge and familiarity with radon ; however , only half knew that radon affects the lungs . This highlights an important knowledge gap regarding the health-associated consequences of exposure to radon . With their current level of knowledge about radon , most Vermont parents already believe that their children ’ s schools should be tested for radon and are in favor of a law requiring radon testing and disclosure , particularly parents of elementary school – aged children . In addition , survey participants with more knowledge about radon were significantly more likely to support legislation regarding testing and mitigation of elevated radon levels . It follows then that future public health efforts should focus on increasing parent awareness of the health risks of radon to children in schools . Additional education about the health impacts of radon is likely to strengthen the support of this demographic for new legislation . As one parent commented , “ Once the awareness gets out there , I can ’ t imagine that there ’ s not going to be a giant flood of support around it .”
The finding that parents of elementary school children were significantly more likely to support radon testing , mitigation , and legislation is interesting and may be related to the particular vulnerability of this population to environmental exposures ( Bearer , 1995 ; Grigg , 2004 ; Leith Sly & Carpenter , 2012 ). The duration of potential exposure as young children progress through multiple school systems could also contribute to the increased support of regulation . Knowing that these parents are particularly supportive of radon legislation presents an opportunity to engage this population around the issue of radon regulation in schools , as they may be a powerful demographic to rally community support for proposed legislation .
Only 8 % of Vermont parents were confident that their child ’ s school had informed them about radon levels , pointing to a lack of communication between schools and parents