A GIS Multi-Criteria Analysis of Indoor Radon Risk in Columbia County, Pennsylvania
Project Author
Issue Date
2023-04-10
Authors
Herz, Susannah
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First Reader
Shaffer, Chris
Additional Readers
Pallant, Eric T.
Keywords
radon , indoor radon , GIS , multi-criteria evaluation , risk analysis , analytical hierarchy process , weighted linear combination , multi-criteria analysis
Distribution
Abstract
Indoor radon is a colorless and odorless radioactive gas that poses a potential threat to all homeowners. When uranium decays in the rocks and soils underlying a house, it forms radon. Radon can escape from the ground and find its way into a home through cracks in the foundation or basement walls. As a result of its radioactive properties, radon is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers. Columbia County, Pennsylvania faces some of the highest radon levels in the state but still has relatively few radon tests performed. A GIS multi-criteria analysis was conducted to better understand the risk that Columbia County faces and encourage proactive testing behaviors. The analysis used an analytical hierarchy process and weighted linear combination approach to first assign weights to radon risk factors including lithology, soil permeability, proximity to faults, water supply, and home age, and then combine them. This produced a radon risk index for the county that identified specific areas that may benefit from additional radon education and outreach. The risk index indicated that almost 50% of the county’s area is classified as high risk. The results of this analysis were made accessible to the public via ArcGIS Story Maps (https://arcg.is/efmuX) to help inform Columbia County residents about their home’s radon risk. This approach can be replicated for other geographical areas, as any community can benefit from increased radon awareness.
Description
Chair
Major
Environmental Science
Geology
Geology
Department
Environmental Science / Studies
Geology
Geology
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Honors
Environmental Science and Sustainability, 2023
Geology, 2023
Geology, 2023