RADON AWARENESS AND REDUCTION CAMPAIGNS FOR AFRICAN-AMERICANS - A THEORETICALLY BASED EVALUATION

Radon gas is a significant health threat linked to thousands of preven table deaths each year. One population that may be at increased risk f rom harm from radon exposure is African Americans. However, little is known about what African Americans think or know about radon. A theore tically based evaluation of radon awareness and reduction campaigns wa s conducted with African Americans. The knowledge and perceptions resu lts indicate that African Americans often hold inaccurate beliefs rega rding radon (e.g., confusing it with carbon monoxide gas), perceive it to be a serious threat, and perceive recommended responses to be inad equate in averting harm. The campaign materials evaluation shows that campaign materials often promote perceptions of threat but not percept ions of efficacy regarding recommended responses. Recommendations are given for public health practitioners.