It is never too early to protect yourself from radon, as youth advocate Paige Hinkle will tell you. She was only a 6th grader when she learned about the colorless, odorless gas that seeps into homes through walls, floors and other openings in building foundations. Concerned about the health effects that radon may have on her family if they were being exposed, Paige bought at-home testing kits and began to monitor radon levels in her home. “Originally it just started as a way to ensure that my family and I were protected from this danger that I had heard about in the area,” Paige said. “I analyzed all the data I had collected and noticed that there were large spikes occurring at the same time as household water usage, specifically hot water usage.” Her detective work helped her family determine that the gas water heater was pulling radon into the basement when its exhaust fumes went up the flue. They were able to fix the problem with a new water heater that had a built-in fresh air intake from outside.
Thus began a new crusade for the young but ambitious radon advocate. With the help and support of her teachers, Paige began to conduct independent research projects on radon. That same year, through her research she discovered that modest average radon measurements could mask intermittent high radon levels, which is why monitoring radon levels hourly could provide more insight into ways to reduce household radon exposure. This work won her first place in the 6th grade division of the Reading Berks Science and Engineering fair and was the basis for her continued research.
A few years later, in her sophomore year, she once again focused on radon, but this time with an emphasis on how it can contaminate water. This research project was such a success it qualified her for the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF). There, she gained further accolades when it won first in the earth and environmental sciences category.
From Radon Scientist to Advocate
After winning at ISEF, Paige decided to pivot her focus to help apply what she had learned in her community. “I knew I wanted to do more so I looked into the advocacy and legislation aspect,” she said. This led her to work with people like Senator Judy Schwank to encourage the passing of legislation requiring radon testing in buildings such as schools and childcare centers. Additionally, she wrote an op-ed in her local paper raising awareness for National Radon Action Month. Most recently, Paige participated in a public forum with the support of the American Lung Association and the League of Women Voters, to discuss the dangers of radon in the air and water and how people can protect themselves. “I’m currently working on getting certified to become a radon tester because I want to help my community as much as possible. I would love to help test my school and other buildings in the area to make sure that everyone is safe from radon,” she said.
Though Paige is frequently called a ‘radon expert’ by friends and family, she is not sure if she will turn her radon research into a career. But she is sure she wants to use her love of science to make a difference. “Radon has been an independent project focus, but I’ve done a lot of other research in other areas. I know I want to work in sciences and use those findings to help my community,” she said.
Regardless of her career, Paige says she will continue to encourage everyone to be curious about radon and to educate themselves. “Anyone can buy a radon test kit and test their own home, there are tons of great resources online and I hope that people take advantage of those so that we all do whatever we can to protect ourselves from this important issue.”
Learn more about radon through our free online Radon Basics course.
Blog last updated: September 17, 2024
