At the UK Health Security Agency's Radiation, Chemical and Environmental Hazards Directorate (RCE), we recognise the importance of involving and engaging the wider community in our research, including through our work with the Health Protection Research Units
A member of the RCE outreach team attended the "Science Spectacular Day" at Katesgrove Primary School Reading, leading activities about protection from UV light and the use of sun cream.
Members of the RCE Outreach Network attended IF Oxford, the Oxford Science and Ideas Festival, attending both the Explorazone and Tech Works events. The team presented Risky Business with activities related to indoor air pollution, UV light and protection from suncream, and radiations risk at both these events. Both events were well attended by families and all activities were well received. It is estimated that over the 2 days we spoke to around 300 people, sharing some of the work of RCE.
UKHSA's Air Quality team attended the ATOM Family Science Fair on June 3rd, part of the Festival of Science and Technology. ATOM Science and Technology Festival, Abingdon-on-Thames - ATOM Family Science Fair (atomfestival.org.uk)
UKHSA/RCE attended the New Scientist Live Event in Manchester, collaborating with Imperial College under two Health Protection Research Units: Environmental Exposures and Health and Chemical and Radiation Threats and Hazards. All areas of work in the HPRUs were represented by exhibits and material on the stand. Interactive exhibits included the wheel of fortune which invited participants to spin a wheel that in roulette fashion that chose a question on some form of environmental health effect for participants to answer and interact with.
A small group from UKHSA's RCE attended a careers event for children at a Didcot school.
UKHSA, in partnership with the Environmental HPRUs are attending the Explorazone at IF Oxford, the Oxford Science + Ideas Festival on October 9th and 10th. The stand includes activities related to air quality, radon and UV exposure.
In celebration of British Science Week and International Women's Day on the 8th March, we are delighted to share with you some fun videos and links to wider resources that our female (and male!) scientists originally put together for the Oxford Science Festival.
The following links provide information on specific areas within Radiation, Chemical and Environmental Hazards (RCE). Some of these are to external websites. Please note that video links are probably best suited to ages 11 and up.
Information about average radiation exposures in the UK
Tracey and colleagues describe the various natural ionising
The PHE radon team describe what radon gas is, how it can get into our homes, and the simple techniques used to minimise harm from it.