Alert but Don’t Alarm: Radon Risk Communication Strategies of a UK Mitigator Rebecca Coates propertECO Charleston, South Carolina

Building Solutions For A Sustainable Future Surveying Contracting Consultancy Project Management Design Training

UK Radon Framework Public Health England Health & Safety Executive Building Research Establishment

Reference Levels Homes Action Level: 200 Bq/m 3 (  5.4 pCi/l) Target Level: 100 Bq/m 3 (  2.7 pCi/l) Workplaces Action Level: 400 Bq/m 3 (  10.8 pCi/l)

Radon Awareness in the UK Generally quite low amongst public Property professionals are often aware, but lack understanding “I don’t think it is a very good topic for a seminar... Can’t you do something more relevant?” “No, it is unlikely that anyone would attend. It’s not really of interest” Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors “There are no guidance notes on radon on our database... I think the flooding risk is more important than radon” Building Code Officials

Targeting Professionals Journal articles Social Media Educational Seminars

Information can reach much wider audience Seminar for RIBA In-house Seminar x 2 Testing programme for properties Radon message reaches 55,000 employees

General Public Frame messages in terms of benefits, not costs Provide information relevant to their situation Make the risks understandable

Using Other Media

More Videos BFS, Germany RPII, Ireland

Alert, But Don’t Alarm Social Media Target Professionals Seminars Make risks understandable Use alternative media Rebecca Coates