IEA_AARST_Radon_Reporter_JUNE_2024

30 | June 2024 IEAMEMBER SPOTLIGHT Member Spotlight: William Frost Location: Greater St. Louis Metropolitan Region in Southern Illinois and Eastern Missouri Co-owner with my son Paul Frost at Evergreen Property Inspectors IEA: How long have you been working in radon? Since 2017 IEA: Describe your professional experience and what attracted you to to this work (your “ah-hah” moment): Radon became a central issue for me when I was inspecting a home and being followed by a father who was tentatively asking questions about radon. He finally stopped me and explained that his son who slept in the basement was recently diagnosed with a brain tumor. There was so much guilt in his eyes as he asked me if radon could have caused the brain tumor. I could feel the emotion as I listened to his concerns and saw the deep pain he was going through. Fortunately, I could tell him radon was most likely not the cause, but that look of pain and the lack of information about so many home health risks stuck with me. That same week a neighbor asked me to test her home radon levels which came back very high. She had two children who had slept in the basement for the past 10 years, but she had felt there was no risk as a passive radon pipe was built into the home. How many parents today are letting their kids sleep in basements with high radon levels in the home? I don’t want them to feel that guilt, that pain, that feeling of failing to protect their family because they simply lack knowledge. Parents care, they just don’t know about the risks posed by radon gas and it’s a real risk factor we know how to detect and then reduce the exposure. I am surrounded by healthcare professionals; one sister is a pediatrician, another is a physical therapist, and my wife and daughter are nurses. My father passed away from a lung disease called Pulmonary Fibrosis after working in the construction field his whole life. I am a veteran who is active in the American Legion and I see every day how our environment affects one’s longevity and quality of life. I am passionate about educating others on the risks of radon. It’s my profession and my responsibility to be an advocate in my community. IEA: What does your typical workday look like? I am the marketing and administration arm of the company. I often teach continuing education programs, attend networking events, oversee marketing, answer the phones, and participate on committees and boards within the industry while also handling all of our radon testing services in Illinois. I volunteered to assist with the Illinois Radon Task Force in 2023 and have done the same with Missouri legislation. Education and awareness are key to saving lives and I want to prevent as many illnesses and deaths as possible. IEA: What do you like about working in the radon profession? There are so many aspects of this profession that are fun. We have science, math, building design and performance, education, and interaction with the community. Participating in health fairs and educating the public is very satisfying, especially when I run across someone else who understands the risks and has a passion for helping others. Helping real estate agents understand the risks is also heartwarming as you know they are going to help educate others going forward. We are literally saving lives and doing it in a very economical manner. IEA: What benefits does membership to Indoor Environments bring you? I enjoy many benefits as a member of the Indoor Environments Association. Education, marketing, inspiration, and energy regeneration (we all need a boost of motivation from time to time). It has also helped with business planning as I utilize the network for industry connections and mentoring. Dan Potter, the current President of the Midwest Chapter Indoor Environments Association, was kind enough to allow a team of our employees to visit his shop at DuPage Radon Contractors last year where we toured their operation and had some great conversations. That connection alone has saved me thousands of dollars in mistakes I would have made trying to recreate the wheel. It has helped with connections to other associations such as the American Lung Association which has empowered me to reach out to local municipality health organizations to grow my sphere of influence in my region. I am a huge proponent of being involved in our industry and community and the Indoor Environments Association helps me learn and grow my network by providing resources of support. IEA: Do you have any advice for people who are considering becoming a member? Become a member! Learn, grow, and give back. You will become a better person and a better resource for your community when you are knowledgeable and connected.