ATSDR Case Study in Environmental Medicine: Radon Toxicity

Course Number: WB1585

This Radon Toxicity case study/monograph is one in a series of self-instructional publications designed to increase primary care providers and other health professionals knowledge of hazardous substances in the environment and to aid in the evaluation of potentially exposed patients. By introducing or enhancing the principles and practice of environmental medicine for primary health care providers within this educational offering (including how to take an appropriate exposure history, consideration of environmental etiologies in the differential diagnosis, taking appropriate public health actions, and providing related patient education and counseling which supports preventive actions), practice gaps in environmental medicine can be addressed and practice adoption supported. In this way, physicians and other healthcare personnel have the opportunity to increase their knowledge/competency and make applicable practice changes to better prevent, diagnose, treat, counsel, and manage patients exposed to Radon Toxicity.

The monograph begins with a composite case study that describes a realistic encounter with a patient followed by an initial progress check and questions and answers. Tables and key points are presented.

The Mergener formula was used to determine the amount of credits being offered for Radon Toxicity. The Mergener formula takes into account the number of words, and the number of posttest questions to determine the total minutes so that the appropriate credits can be calculated and awarded.

Course Link

TARGET AUDIENCE: Our primary target audience is primary health providers and other health professionals involved in preventing/mitigating exposure to hazardous substances and/or related health promotion activities.

MATERIALS: Participants may access the course by visiting the ATSDR website at http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/HEC/CSEM/csem.html.

PREREQUISITES: A basic knowledge of medicine or related basics of human health promotion at a professional level is desired.