Housing Interventions and Control of Health-Related Chemical Agents.pdf

Subject matter experts systematically reviewed evidence on the effectiveness of housing interventions
that affect health outcomes associated with exposure to chemical agents, such as pesticides, lead, volatile organic compounds, as well as the radon gas. Particulates were also examined, and the role of ventilation on exposures was assessed.

Structural deficiencies, pest infestations, gas stoves, and introduction of source materials that off-gas or otherwise release toxic agents are all housing factors that can increase the presence of chemical agents in or around a dwelling. Because most homes in the United States do not have a planned supply of fresh air delivered to the building space and, instead, rely on operation of windows and intermittent or inadequate building leakage, indoor airborne contaminants can increase. The absence of easily cleanable surfaces can also contribute to increases in pesticide residues, lead-contaminated house dust, and other accumulated toxicants.

Estimates of Costs for Housing-Related Interventions.pdf

This article gives an overview of economic analyses commonly used in public health, examines the economic burden of housing-related illness, and compares economic studies that focus on housing-related illness and associated interventions. Examples are given to discuss the appropriate interpretation of findings from economic studies and to help guide decision making regarding implementation of housing-related interventions to improve health. Specific housing-related health issues discussed include asthma and adverse effects from lead, radon, and carbon monoxide (CO).

MDH Radon Brochure.pdf

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) provides information on radon and how to protect your family's health. Much of the soil in the Upper Midwest contains widespread uranium and radium. These minerals continuously break down to release radon gas. Therefore, Minnesota's geology provides an ongoing supply of radon.

In addition, a large percentage of Minnesota homes have elevated levels of radon in the indoor air because of how they are built and how they operate in our climate. One important factor is that many Minnesota homes have basements that are uses as living spaces.MDH estimates that about one in three (1/3) Minnesota homes have enough radon to pose a significant risk to the occupants' health over many years of exposure.

Region_6_Meeting_Materials_March_2010.pdf

Representatives from EPA Region 6, OK, TX, NM, tribal nation programs, and guests from EPA Headquarters and Kansas State University gathered in Dallas, TX on March 22-24, 2010 to share ideas, challenges, and to forge new enthusiasm for radon risk reduction activities. States, led by host Texas, shared current activities and plans for the coming year.

Gina Bowler and Bruce Snead provided web-based examples and updates on national level programs and partners, and opportunities to leverage resources for state SIRG initiatives. Real estate outreach, training, free versus paid test kit offers, PSA matching sources, poster contest issues and connecting with industry on risk reduction partnering were all items for discussion and sharing.

The complete materials from the meeting are provided above for PDF download, including the agenda, attendee list, meeting requests and offers, and presentations.

To view the Webinar and accesss associated resources please visit: www.ncsl.org/default.aspx?tabid=13190.

Webinar Moderator:
Representative Kim Norton, Minnesota House of Representatives

Webinar Speakers:
Bill Angell, University of Minnesota and AARST
Susie Shimek, EPA Indoor Environments Division
Tobie Bernstein, Environmental Law Institute

The "WHO Handbook on Indoor Radon: A Public Health Perspective," published in September 2009 is available on RadonLeaders.org as a PDF download.

Additional information on the radon work of the World Health Organization is available at: www.who.int/ionizing_radiation/env/radon/en/.

The Residential Radon Gas Exposure and Lung Cancer - Iowa Study is available in the Resource Bank as a PDF for download.

Additional information on the work of HRREP is available at: www.cheec.uiowa.edu/misc/radon.html