policy

Radon as a human carcinogen has been clearly documented and children are an especially vulnerable population due to biophysical characteristics and duration of exposure. An investigation was necessary to determine if health policies exist to protect school children from radon exposure. This study inventoried the states with regulations regarding school radon testing. Nine states, eight with high geographic risk, have school testing policies. The implication of the policy inventory is that 28 high-radon states do not have policies in place to protect school children from radon.

DNA methylation is an epigenomic modification that is essential to normal human development and biological processes. DNA methylation patterns are heritable and dynamic throughout the life span. Environmental exposures can alter DNA methylation patterns, contributing to the development of complex disease. Identification and modulation of environmental factors influencing disease susceptibility through alterations in DNA methylation are amenable to nursing intervention and form the basis for individualized patient care.