IEA_Radon_Reporter_January_2024r

THE RADON REPORTER | 23 22 | January 2024 SYMPOSIUM SYMPOSIUM 2023 Symposium in Review Indoor Environments 2023 offered five technical and educational tracks and an exhibit hall with over 50 booths presenting products and services for the soil gas professional attendee. The Symposium featured 90 speakers across five stages over two and a half days, as well as seven short courses on Sunday. The Symposium officially began with the Opening Reception on Sunday evening, as more than 80 exhibitors’ representatives promoted their new products and services while reconnecting with current customers. (4) On Monday morning, the symposium sessions opened with updates from AARST, CRCPD, EPA, and HUD (5) , and attendees experienced the potential of creating personal branding and its positive effect on individual business goals as presented by internationally renowned keynote speaker Steve Diggs (3) . Concurrent technical tracks kicked off on Monday with Vapor Intrusion sessions as well as presentations on Standards, program and national policy updates, and in-the-field technical reports. A special emphasis for Indoor Environments 2023 was the promotion and engagement of the next generation of radon professionals. Two panel discussions enabled young colleagues to address the attendees and share their early experiences and aspirations. See related story, next page. Tuesday’s agenda featured three concurrent tracks: Practice & Policy, Science & Research, and States & Tribes. Some sessions from these tracks that left attendees buzzing were; Geologically Based Correlation of Rock And Indoor Radon Levels In Eastern Pennsylvania, presented by Brian Yang, Lessons Learned in Mitigation (1) featuring a panel moderated by Duane West, featuring John Mallon, Dawn Oggier, Michael Smit and Jody Tropeano, and especially Radon - I Didn’t Know presented by lung cancer survivor Kerri Robbins. Wednesday’s agenda focused on radon in water, presented by Dr. Michael Kitto and Dave Hill, as well as a session celebrating the ALA’s annual poster and video contest and a presentation on EPA’s plans for credentialing body oversight. (2) Young Radon Professionals – The Next Generation The Indoor Environments 2023 Symposium panel session titled "Young Radon Professionals – The Next Generation" on the morning of October 30 featured four dynamic participants: Brian Giancola, Nick Jackal, Lauryn Oggier, and Kaber Robinson, each bringing their unique perspectives and skills to the forefront of the radon industry. These younger generation mitigators included owners or managers of radon mitigation businesses and a State radon program staff person. Guided by Josh Kerber, an Environmental Research Scientist for the Minnesota Department of Health, this session delved into the priorities and concerns of these emerging professionals, offering valuable insights into how they entered the radon world, how they see the appeal for older businesses to attract younger workers, and ideas on how to grow loyal young employees and market to the younger generation. The goal of the session was to address the distinct perspectives and aspirations of younger individuals actively involved in radon-related industries. The panel aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the needs of emerging professionals in the radon sector. Through their discussions, these professionals created a platform that not only acknowledges but also supports the key priorities within the industry, fostering a dynamic and sustainable future for radon awareness and mitigation efforts. Recognizing the significance of advancing in this industry is pivotal not only for the professionals themselves but also for the broader community. The collective efforts of these young radon professionals contribute to a shared vision of creating safer indoor environments, emphasizing the importance of their roles in shaping the future landscape of radon-related practices. On the inaugural day of the Indoor Environments 2023 Symposium on October 30, the panel titled "How Youth Are Addressing Radon and Lung Cancer Advocacy" featured members of the Premier Youth Ambassadors for Radon Reduction (PYA). The engaging session showcased the insights of younger participants, including Kathryn Dixon, Joshua Keyes, David Trent, Mia Ray, and Tanya Yu. The symposium served as a platform to delve into the distinctive approach of the PYA program, which not only prepares youth for meaningful careers but also addresses critical issues related to radon exposure and its connection to lung cancer. Within low-income communities, the PYA program concurrently tackles core radon issues such as affordable housing, leadership development, education, employment opportunities in in-demand industries, and apprenticeship pathways. Serving as a vital link, the PYA program connects participants to essential radon testing and mitigation service training. Impact beyond the Symposium The results of the next-gen emphasis preceded the Symposium and will continue. The planning committee reached out locally to Tennessee’s higher education institutions’ deans with focus on environmental studies and invited promising students. One such graduate student attended and joined the Tennessee Chapter. Future symposium plans will factor in the assets brought by the next younger generation of radon professionals. 1 2 3 4 5