The purpose of the Indoor Environments Foundation is to provide educational, scientific, charitable, and literary resources pertaining to radon, chemical vapor intrusion and other contaminants of concern for the benefit of the American public and professionals engaged in research, education, and risk reduction. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the foundation is led by a nine-member board of volunteer directors. 

Because fulfilling the need for quality research and progress on health equity is critical to the success of the risk reduction cause, the foundation seeks support for two areas of focus:

Research – It is essential that industry-worthy research provide the evidence base for risk reduction.  Building knowledge and facilitating learning by explaining issues, strengthening industry standards, and increasing public awareness will help the credibility of the industry, disprove myths, and support truths. Projects can include but will not be limited to upper floor testing in multifamily properties, recommended testing frequency, side wall venting, attributable lung cancer, cost of lung cancer, protective action levels, and cost-benefit evaluation.

Environmental Justice – Access for all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income to an indoor environment free of health hazards from contaminants of concern is a critical goal for practice, policy and resource allocation. Projects can include but will not be limited to supporting place-based mitigation services for low-income homeowners and ensuring multifamily buildings are properly characterized when evaluating and addressing contaminants.

The Foundation was created in 2011 as an affiliate of IEA (AARST) to support related work. While it is not owned or controlled by IEA, the foundation’s bylaws designate three of its board seats for the IEA President, the IEA Treasurer, and an at-large member selected by the IEA board.

   Board of Directors