A Systematic Review of Radon Risk Perception, Awareness, and Knowledge: Risk Communication Options

Liliana Cori, Olivia Curzio (), Gabriele Donzelli, Elisa Bustaffa and Fabrizio Bianchi
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Liliana Cori: Communication Laboratory in High-Risk Areas, Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council, 56124 Pisa, Italy
Olivia Curzio: Communication Laboratory in High-Risk Areas, Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council, 56124 Pisa, Italy
Gabriele Donzelli: Department of Health Science, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
Elisa Bustaffa: Unit of Environmental Epidemiology and Diseases Registries, Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council, 56124 Pisa, Italy
Fabrizio Bianchi: Communication Laboratory in High-Risk Areas, Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council, 56124 Pisa, Italy

Sustainability, 2022, vol. 14, issue 17, 1-27

Abstract: Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after cigarette smoking, and research on individual risk perception of radon is crucial to prevent its health effects. In this work, we aimed to systematically review the scientific literature that has analyzed radon risk perception, awareness, and knowledge to provide insight on communication actions. For this purpose, following the PRISMA 2020 statement, we searched PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science, focusing on articles published since 2010. After the screening process, we included 40 articles, of which 5 explored only knowledge, 11 added risk perception, 11 further investigated the willingness to make radon measurements, and 13 examined the full cycle of prevention, including risk mitigation actions. Many articles performed a quantitative assessment of the relationship between knowledge/awareness/perception and actions such as radon testing and remediation, showing positive associations and providing interesting elements for evaluating interventions. Furthermore, citizen science actions described by some studies could be crucial for enhancing community self-sufficiency, responsibility, and the quality of preventive actions. To conclude, risk communication can play a key role in making risk prevention possible by reducing exposure, and a multidisciplinary approach, involving constant collaboration with different experts, is essential.

Keywords: radon; awareness; knowledge; risk perception; risk communication; risk management (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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