Assessing Radon Awareness and Risk Perception among Residents in Ilesa, Osun State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study was conducted to assess the knowledge of the public about radon risk and possible impediment they might face for radon testing in Ilesa, Osun State, Nigeria. One hundred people from different category of discipline were the population for this research. A descriptive research design of survey type was used and a semi-structured questionnaire was administered to the people. The questions raised addresses perception of people about radon and their readiness to engage in testing. The result of the survey shows that majority of the respondents are educated and this increase the reliability of the study. Majority of the respondents are not aware of radon and the risk attached. Majority, (84%) of the respondents have not tested their homes for radon. 58% of them do not know how to carry out the radon test, 54% of them do not know where to buy radon test kits. 68% of them are unaware about the radon test, 74% of them could not afford the radon test kit because it is expensive. There was financial constraint for the testing as majority earn below the minimum wage for workers in Nigeria and majority of respondents are not unemployed. From the Chi-square test, the willingness to test of the respondents is dependent on their level of awareness. More awareness through media and lectures is therefore recommended for members of the public.