Using willingness to pay to evaluate the implementation of Canada's residential radon exposure guideline.
BACKGROUND
The objective of this investigation was to determine the effectiveness of Canada's residential radon exposure guideline in influencing individuals' health protection decisions.


METHODS
Homeowners with known exposure levels in a high residential radon area (Winnipeg, Manitoba) were surveyed to document what they had done and spent to reduce their exposure to radon. The 507 respondents were then re-surveyed to elucidate their response to hypothetical scenarios. Logistic regression was used to model risk reduction decisions as a function of exposure and other explanatory variables.


RESULTS
Homeowners were only likely to have taken action to reduce exposure at levels exceeding 1,100 Bq/m3, well above Canada's guideline of 800 Bq/m3. However, when informed of the guideline, respondents indicated they would act at exposures of 702 Bq/m3.


CONCLUSIONS
The Canadian residential radon exposure guideline, as it has been implemented, has not effectively prompted homeowner actions to reduce exposures to radon.
Spiegel
Jerry M
JM
Department of Community Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB. jerry.spiegel@ubc.ca
Krewski
Daniel
D
D016902:Air Pollution, Indoor / Q000191:economics / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003625:Data Collection; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000191:economics*; D005382:Financing, Personal; D019983:Guideline Adherence / Q000191:economics*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008350:Manitoba; D011886:Radon / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012309:Risk-Taking
D011886:Radon