Radon Risk Awareness, Knowledge and Perception of Cancer Risk among Undergraduate Students from Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria

Abstract

This study assessed radon awareness, technical knowledge, radiological risk perception, awareness of its association with cancer, and preventive practices among 206 undergraduate students. Radon (²²²Rn) is a naturally occurring radioactive noble gas generated predominantly through the ²³⁸U decay series and constitutes an important source of environmental radiation exposure through the inhalation of its short-lived alpha-emitting progeny. Data were collected using a printed structured questionnaire and analysed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests. The results showed that 65.5% of respondents had heard of radon, while 77.0% recognized its association with cancer. However, only 28.6% correctly identified its major sources and exposure pathways, revealing a substantial gap in technical knowledge of radon physics and environmental radioactivity. Although 78.2% perceived radon as a significant health risk, only 15.0% reported engaging in radon testing or related preventive practices. The major barrier was limited access to appropriate radon detection equipment. More than 60% of respondents expressed willingness to undertake radon testing and mitigation if affordable equipment and adequate resources were available. Chi-square analysis indicated significant patterns in radon awareness but demonstrated inadequate translation of awareness into preventive behaviour. The findings suggest that general awareness of radon and its carcinogenic potential does not necessarily imply adequate understanding of radioactive decay, exposure pathways, radiation dose, or protection principles. The study recommends incorporating radon science, environmental radioactivity, and radiation protection into relevant university curricula, supported by subsidized radon detectors, institutional screening programmes, and targeted radiation-health campaigns to improve radon-risk literacy and promote effective exposure reduction