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Program Overview
The Department of Health Radon and Indoor Air Toxics program was original created by the State Legislature in 1988 as the HRS Radiation Control / Radon Program, a statewide program responsible for aiding the public in protecting itself from unnecessary radiation exposure from radon.
The radon program has been modified over time to encompass
all indoor environmental airborne toxins. A major threat to the health of Floridians is the quality of the indoor air. Buildings in Florida need to be kept as tight as possible to control the high heat and humidity from the outdoor environment. Tight buildings allow indoor toxins from biological, inorganic and man-made sources to build up to higher concentrations over longer periods. This can lead to wider spread indoor environmental problems as compared to more temperate areas where people live with open homes for longer parts of the year. Helping the public control the health threat from indoor air toxins through education and consultation is a major part of this program.
This program is composed of two main parts:
- The
Radon section is responsible for protecting the public health from unnecessary radiation exposure from elevated radon levels by:
- Certifying radon testing and mitigation companies and professionals
- Providing the public with the latest
information on radon, its prevalence in Florida,,
its health effects, testing procedures and remediation techniques
- Monitoring and compiling the mandatory radon testing of Public and private schools, state licensed day care centers and 24-hour care facilities
- The
Indoor Air Quality section is empowered as a public resource on indoor air quality problems in residences, health care facilities,
and public buildings. The section primarily provides technical assistance and works with local county health units to provide investigations and consultations.
Contact the members of this program for assistance in these areas.
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