RADLEVEL is a 3-digit-numeric variable.

0000: Not in Universe
9995: 9995 or more picocuries
9996: Don't know results yet (in 1990)
9997: Unknown-refused
9998: Unknown-not ascertained
9999: Unknown-don't know

Description

For sample adults ages 18 and older whose household air was tested for radon and whose radon level was above the EPA guidelines of 4 picocuries per liter (RADGUIDE), RADLEVEL reports the radon level in picocuries per liter.

RADLEVEL is included in the sample adult section within a series of questions about environmental health concerns, including testing for lead and radon. For more information and related variables, see RADHEAR or use the IPUMS NHIS search function and drop-down menus.

Comparability

Prior to 1993, this question was asked of all sample adults whose household air had been tested for radon; after 1993 the specific level is only asked of respondents whose radon levels exceeded the EPA guidelines of 4 picocuries per liter. Data users should exercise caution when comparing pre-1993 samples with the 1993 samples forward.

Changes in survey design (e.g., quarters in which the supplement was collected) may affect raw frequencies, but do not affect comparability of the variable. As always, data users should use the prescribed IHIS weights.

Universe

Availability

• 1990-1991, 1993-1994, 1998

Weights

• 1990-1991, 1998 : SAMPWEIGHT
• 1993-1994 : SUPP2WT