RADON REPORTER Practical Information for Your Success THE SEPTEMBER 2024 Remote Exam Proctoring | Quality Assurance Plans Tobacco Cessation Program | IEA Election Ballot
2 | September 2024 Indoor Environments Association™ is a nonprofit, professional organization of members who are dedicated to the highest standard of excellence and ethical performance of hazard identification and abatement of radon, chemical vapor intrusion, and other contaminants of concern in the built environment. The organization primarily strives to advance the interests of its members through developing industry standards, certifying technical proficiency, enabling advancement of public policy, and communicating health risks to the public. OFFICERS PRESIDENT: Kyle Hoylman kyle@protectenvironmental.com PRESIDENT-ELECT: Dave Hill dhill@spruce.com VICE PRESIDENT: George Schambach george@professionalhome.com VICE PRESIDENT: David Gillay David.Gillay@btlaw.com SECRETARY: Jan Fisher jfisher@certi.us TREASURER: Dan Potter danpotter@dupageradon.com NATIONALLY ELECTED DIRECTORS Lila M. Beckley, PG / lmbeckley@gsienv.com Nate Burden, Jr. / nateburden@msn.com Aaron Fisher / afisher@swatofpa.com Aaron Friedrich / aaron.friedrich@erm.com Zan Jones / zan.jones@radonova.com Terry Kerwin / tkerwin5@hotmail.com John Mallon / john@radondetectionandcontrol.com Kevin Stewart / Kevin.Stewart@lung.org Dawn Oggier / doggier@spruce.com Duane West / duane@3rsgroup.com CHAPTER COUNCIL DIRECTORS Shad Evans / shad.evans@protectenvironmental.com Phil McDonnell / pmcdonnell@swatradon.com STAFF Symposium Manager and Member Services Nicole Chazaud/symposium@indoorenvironments.org IT Manager, Software Developer Mike DeVaynes/admin@aindoorenvironments.org NRPP Credentialing Manager Christina Johnson/certification@indoorenvironments.org National Policy Director Jane Malone/nationalpolicy@indoorenvironments.org Director of Proficiency Amy Roedl/proficiency.director@indoorenvironments.org Finance Director Andika Susanti/administrator@indoorenvironments.org Executive Director Diane Swecker/director@indoorenvironments.org Membership Coordinator Holly Tabano / membership@indoorenvironments.org Quality Assurance Manager Rebecca Turek / qamanager@indoorenvironments.org TABLE of CONTENTS AD INDEX Copyright © 2024 American Association of Radon Scientists & Technologists. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part of any text, photograph, or graphic without written permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited. Please submit content, comments, or questions to editor@aarst.org. 4 ALA & IEA Tobacco Cessation Program Jennifer Hobbs Folkenroth, Kevin M. Stewart 7 IEA Election Ballot 13 What is Accreditation? Amy Roedl 14 Quality Assurance Plans & Standard Operating Procedure Rebecca Turek 16 NRPP Exam Update 17 ANSI/AARST Standards Revisions 26 Credentials and Standards 37 Way to Get More Jobs on Online Peter Ruchti 6 RadonAway 12 Angi 25 CERTI 27 PDS Radon Supply 35 AirThings 39 Lowe’s Photo Credits: Getty Images, Pat Everett
THE RADON REPORTER | 3 ASSOCIATION NEWS Embracing Our New Identity and Looking Ahead Fellow IEA Members, As we enter the final stretch of my term as President, I am filled with immense pride and excitement to continue to serve the Indoor Environments Association (IEA). We have transformed our brand from the American Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists (AARST) to IEA, securing our position in an evolving indoor environments landscape. Together, we’ve accomplished many of our strategic initiatives, but we have much more to achieve. New IEA. New Era. The new IEA identity signifies our commitment to advancing research, education, and policy in the field of the built environment. It embodies our dedication to addressing the diverse challenges faced by professionals in our industry. As we embrace this new chapter, I am confident that our expanded focus will lead to greater collaboration, innovation, and impact. Our election is underway. These elections are crucial in shaping the future of our association, and I urge all members to participate actively. We have an outstanding slate of candidates, each bringing a wealth of experience and a unique vision for IEA. Your vote is vital in selecting the leaders who will guide us forward and help realize our goals. Please take the time to review the candidates’ profiles and cast your vote. One of the most anticipated events this year is our annual symposium. Scheduled for September 15 -18, 2024, Indoor Environments 2024 will be in Orlando, Florida. The symposium is a cornerstone of our association, providing a platform for experts, researchers, and practitioners to share knowledge, explore cutting-edge technologies, and discuss best practices. This year’s program promises to be exceptional, with a lineup of distinguished speakers, interactive sessions, and networking opportunities that will inspire and inform. I encourage you all to join us for this pivotal event and contribute to the vibrant exchange of ideas that defines our community. I want to take this opportunity to thank each of you for your continued support and dedication to our mission. Your passion and commitment drive our success and make our association a beacon of excellence in indoor environmental health. Together, we will continue to make strides in improving indoor environments and safeguarding public health. As we move forward with our new identity and prepare for the upcoming symposium and elections, I am optimistic and enthusiastic about what lies ahead. I look forward to seeing many of you in Orlando and continuing to advance our mission. Letter from the President Kyle Hoylman
4 | September 2024 LUNG CANCER PREVENTION ALA AND IEA PARTNER TO PROMOTE TOBACCO CESSATION The American Lung Association and Indoor Environments Association Partner to Equip Radon and Vapor Intrusion Professionals and Their Families With Proven-Effective Tobacco Cessation Program to Lower Risks of Lung Cancer. About every two minutes, someone in the U.S. is diagnosed with lung cancer, and every day, lung cancer takes the lives of more than 357 of our friends, neighbors and loved ones. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the U.S., claiming as many lives every year as breast, prostate, and pancreatic cancers combined. In 2023, it was estimated that in the U.S. there would be close to 238,000 new cases diagnosed. Radon is the number-one cause of lung cancer among neversmokers and radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer overall. According to EPA estimates, radon is responsible for about 21,000 lung cancer deaths every year. Smoking is the leading cause of all lung cancer deaths, accounting for between 80 and 90 percent. Cigarette smoking is the #1 cause of preventable death and disease worldwide and causes more than 480,000 deaths each year in the United States. This is nearly one in five deaths. Lung cancer risk from radon is much higher for smokers due to synergistic effects between radon and cigarette smoking. Radon is much more likely to cause lung cancer in people who smoke. In fact, smokers have been estimated to be from 8 to as much as 25 times more at risk from radon than never-smokers. However, since an estimated 20,000 or more lung cancer diagnoses annually involve patients who have never smoked, smoking history is not the only contributing risk factor. Radon-Smoking Synergy Considering tobacco smoke and radon exposure are the two leading causes of lung cancer, and exposure to both (i.e., synergistic risk) heightens the probability of developing the disease, it is important to acknowledge the benefits of radon exposure risk reduction and the benefits of tobacco cessation, and to help link individuals with proven-effective strategies to eliminate both from impacting individuals and families across the U.S. It is equally important to provide eligible individuals at risk for lung cancer with the education and tools to receive annual low-dose CT scans which can reduce the lung cancer death rate by up to 20 percent by detecting tumors at early stages when the cancer is more likely to be curable. Nationally, only 4.5 percent of individuals at high risk for lung cancer have been screened. Lung cancer screening and early detection can save an estimated 500,000 additional years of life if all those eligible would be screened. Benefits of Tobacco Cessation Radon and Vapor Intrusion Professionals are experts on the benefits of radon exposure risk reduction but may not be as aware of the benefits of tobacco cessation. Regardless of a person’s age or how long that individual has been smoking, quitting is the single most important action people can take to reduce their risk for respiratory diseases. Quitting smoking: • Reduces the risk of developing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). • Among those with COPD, slows the progression of COPD and reduces the loss of lung function over time. • Reduces respiratory symptoms, such as cough, sputum production, wheezing. • Reduces respiratory infections, such as bronchitis and pneumonia. • May improve lung function, reduce symptoms, and improve treatment outcomes in people with asthma. By Jennifer Hobbs Folkenroth and Kevin M. Stewart, American Lung Association
THE RADON REPORTER | 5 LUNG CANCER PREVENTION As soon as an individual quits, their body begins to repair the damage caused by smoking and continues to repair itself for many years. Only 20 minutes after quitting an individual’s heart rate drops to a normal level. Between 12 to 24 hours after quitting the carbon monoxide level in blood drops to normal and the risk of heart attack is significantly reduced. During 1 to 9 months after quitting coughing and shortness of breath decrease and lung function begins to improve. And 5 to 15 years after quitting an individual’s risk of getting cancer of the mouth, throat, esophagus, bladder cancer and lung cancer is about half that of a smoker’s while the risk of stroke and coronary heart disease is reduced to that of a never-smoker. Proven-Effective Quit Strategies The American Lung Association in partnership with the Indoor Environments Association (formerly AARST) wants to reduce the burden of smoking and vaping on radon and vapor intrusion professionals and their families by ensuring barrier-free access to evidencebased and proven effective cessation programming. The American Lung Association acknowledges that 70% of people who smoke and use tobacco products want to quit, and that 50% of them will make a quit attempt this year. However, 92.5% of people who try to quit will fail due to lack of having a comprehensive tobacco treatment plan. A comprehensive tobacco treatment plan that includes counseling plus use of FDA-approved cessation medications together is proven most effective in helping an individual break free from tobacco and nicotine dependence for good. Evidence-based and proven-effective behavioral counseling programs are available, such as the American Lung Association’s Freedom From Smoking® Program which has successfully helped over 1 million people across America quit over the past 40 years. Nearly 60% of participants quit when Freedom From Smoking® is used with an FDA-approved quit medication. Freedom From Smoking® is available in a variety of different modalities including a flexible self-paced digital option accessible through any digital device. The American Lung Association’s 9-session digital online course Freedom From Smoking® Plus is a highly interactive behavior-change program that addresses today’s mobile lifestyles. It’s available in 38 different languages and works on desktops, laptops, tablets and smartphones and includes telephone, chat and email support from our tobacco cessation counselors. Freedom From Smoking® Plus is accessible whenever and wherever individuals go to support individuals wanting to quit tobacco product quit and break their addiction for good. The program includes a 12-month membership which allows participants work at their own pace and revisit the course if they have a slip or relapse. Protecting Our Industry Members and Their Family Lungs and Saving Lives! Through a special partnership with the Indoor Environments Association (formerly AARST), the American Lung Association has agreed to offer this program -- regularly $99.95 per person -- at no charge to radon and vapor intrusion professionals and their families. To enroll and take advantage of this offer, IEA professionals and their families can use the unique URL bit.ly/KickTheNic or by scanning the QR code provided. In addition to access to this proven-effective cessation program, the Lung Association is also providing support of radon and vapor intrusion professionals and their families in determining their medical insurance eligibility and better understand the seven FDA-approved quit medication options available through their Lung Health Navigators. Individuals can connect with this team of Certified Tobacco Treatment Specialists and Lung Health Professionals for more information by calling 1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4871 and press 2), submitting a question or live chat when available by visiting Lung.org. Assessing Risk for Lung Cancer and Determining Screening Eligibility Along with quitting smoking, it is equally important for individuals who are at high risk for lung cancer to be screened annually. Screening is a test used to detect lung cancer before any symptoms appear. Screening with low-dose CT scans can reduce deaths in those at high risk. If you meet the following criteria, you are considered to be at “high risk” for developing lung cancer and screening is recommended: • 50-80 years of age • Have a 20 pack-year history of smoking (this means 1 pack a day for 20 years, 2 packs a day for 10 years, etc.) • AND, are a current smoker, or have quit within the last 15 years The American Lung Association’s interactive online tool helps individuals determine whether lung cancer screening is recommended by visiting SavedByTheScan.org. If you have any questions about this initiative, please contact Jennifer.Folkenroth@Lung.org for more information.
6 | September 2024 800-767-3703 | radonaway.com View prices, place orders, access invoices, manage favorites & more all from the field! RADONAWAY MOBILE APP PROVIDING SOLUTIONS FOR HEALTHIER INDOOR AIR & WATER FOR OVER 35 YEARS RADON FANS VAPOR INTRUSION TESTING PRODUCTS & LAB SERVICES PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
THE RADON REPORTER | 7 ASSOCIATION NEWS GEORGE SCHAMBACH President and Owner, Professional Home Inspection Services, Inc. George Schambach is an experienced home inspector and environmental consultant based in Deposit, New York. With a career spanning over five decades, he has a diverse background that includes owning and operating a petroleum business, working in the building supply chain, and managing corporate branches. Since joining Professional Home Inspection Service in 2004, and later acquiring full ownership in 2021, George has focused on expanding the environmental services offered by the business. He is an active member of several professional associations, including IEA/AARST, Association of Home Inspectors, and NYS Home Inspectors Association, and holds multiple certifications in radon measurement and mitigation, asbestos inspection, mold assessment, and pest inspection. George has also contributed to the field through teaching, serving on various boards, and providing expert testimony on construction practices. Currently, he serves as the President of IEA/AARST New York chapter, Senior Vice President of the National Board of Directors AARST, and IEA/AARST Chapter Council Member. REVEANN ELLROTT President, Radon Testing Service Inc. ReveAnn has been a leader in radon testing in California since 1991, significantly shaping radon awareness and promoting best practices in both commercial and residential markets. Through her strategic vision and dedication to excellence, RTS has become a trusted provider of comprehensive radon assessments in Southern California, boosting radon awareness in the state’s real estate market. Her journey into radon science ignited a passion for understanding the relationship between different lithologies and elevated radon levels in Los Angeles. She holds a B.S. in Geoscience with a focus on Radon Research. ReveAnn’s extensive experience and expertise make her an ideal candidate for a board member position. Her commitment to advancing radon awareness aligns perfectly with IEA’s mission to safeguard public health from radon exposure and other indoor air contaminants. AARON FRIEDRICH Principal, ERM Aaron Friedrich, currently serving on the IEA/AARST Board since his election in 2022, is a Principal Consultant with Environmental Resources Management (ERM). He holds a bachelor’s degree (B.A.) and a master’s degree (M.S.) in geological sciences from Hanover College and Wright State University, respectively. With over 18 years of consulting experience, Aaron has worked with clients managing complex environmental and vapor intrusion (VI) sites under US EPA and state-led regulatory programs. He has extensive project management and technical expertise in site investigation activities, soil and groundwater investigations and remediation, and VI pathway assessments and mitigation. Aaron has presented on VI at various local and national conferences, including the Battelle Chlorinated and Recalcitrant Compounds conference and the AEHS west coast conference. He has contributed to several ITRC teams and serves on the Board of Directors for Circular Indiana. He is also an adjunct faculty member at Indiana University, instructing students on natural resources and environmental policy. IEA Election Ballot Voting in the 2024 IEA election opened August 30 and closes September 16 at 12 pm ET. Members have received by email IEA’s balloting software the opportunity to select the Association’s next Vice President as well as five National Directors (2-year terms) and one additional National Director (1-year term) seat open due to a resignation.
8 | September 2024 ANNIE-LAURIE HUNTER Owner, Ardent Home Inspections, LLC During her 20-year tenure as a home inspector, she has been intricately involved with Central New York (CNY) InterNACHI, CNY ASHI, and NYSAHI, serving terms as president of each. She helped initiate the legislation for NYS Home Inspection Licensing, law changes, and written test questions for inspectors. Her involvement with radon is extensive and dedicated. She established her NYS DOH ELAP lab in 2006, joined IEA/AARST in 2016, and became certified as a NRPP Radon Measurement Professional in 2017. In 2024, she will be certified as a Soil Gas Mitigation Inspector. Annie-Laurie is vice president for both NYS IEA/AARST chapter and CNY Coalition for Healthy Indoor Air. She is also a licensed NYS Wildlife Rehabilitation Specialist and founder/director of Hunter Hollow Bunny Bed and Breakfast, a domestic rabbit rescue and wildlife center. DAWN OGGIER Manager of Market Development, RadonAway As Manager of Market Development at RadonAway, Dawn Oggier is a seasoned professional with diverse expertise. Formerly owning a Geological firm in Florida from 2008 to 2021, she holds mitigation certification from the Florida Department of Health, alongside credentials in water and air quality and a Business Management degree. Dawn’s leadership extends to her roles as a National Director for the last four years and 4th year Chair of the IEA Symposium Committee, Vice President of the Florida IEA Chapter, Chair of the Bylaws Committee and a member of the OM&M Committee. In addition to relevant experience, Dawn has held a realtor license in Florida since 1996. Dawn’s holistic experience spans real estate and environmental fields, reflecting her commitment to excellence in industry advancement. LAURYN OGGIER President, Radon Testing Service Inc. Lauryn Oggier is the owner of Radon Group, a company specializing in radon. Before starting her business, she worked as a measurement technician. When that company closed, Lauryn decided to start her own radon business. Simultaneously, she was studying part-time at Santa Fe College in Gainesville, Florida, where she earned her A.A. in Business Administration. This achievement motivated her to elevate her company to the next level. Despite her childhood expectations, Lauryn now leads a Radon Measurement and Mitigation company, inspired by her mother’s work in the industry. As a young woman in this field, she recognizes the lack of awareness among her generation about the dangers of radon. Her main goal is to educate individuals about the importance of testing their homes for radon and to emphasize the crucial role of environmental health. SHAWN PRICE Director of Laboratory Operations, Spruce Environmental Technologies, Inc. Shawn Price oversees the operations of three Spruce facilities, Air Chek (NC), and AccuStar’s PA & MA laboratories. Shawn is a former AARST President and current Chair of the Standard Management Council (SMC). Additionally, Mr. Price chairs the ANSI/AARST MEAS standard, which covers the measurement of radon in schools, commercial, singlefamily, and multifamily buildings. Shawn brings 35 years of industry experience, including expertise in government affairs, laboratory operations, quality management systems, certification, and lab accreditation. Shawn shared: “Through investments in accredited standards and certification, we’ve become a reputable leader capable of influencing ASSOCIATION NEWS
THE RADON REPORTER | 9 ASSOCIATION NEWS policies concerning safe and healthy housing. State and Federal programs now seek our leadership and advice, a major shift from the past. While we haven’t yet reached our ultimate goals, we can save even more lives and leave a robust, sustainable, and profitable industry for the next generation of IEA members by furthering partnerships that will help us educate policymakers.” KIMBERLY STEVES Technical Assistant, CRCPD, Inc. Kim was a health physicist for the State of Kansas for 34 years and retired in 2022 as the Director of the Kansas Radiation Control Program. As the director, she had responsibility for 23 staff, more than $2 million budget, and the radiological emergency preparedness (REP), environmental, radon, X-ray, and radioactive materials programs, along with the Emergency Planning and Community Right-To-Know (EPCRA) program. Kim served as the Kansas Project Officer for the EPA State Indoor Radon Grant for more than 30 years. Kim is currently certified in Kansas as a Radon Measurement Technician and a Radon Mitigation Technician. Under Kim’s tenure, Kansas promulgated laws for radon disclosure and for radon certification. Kim also served as the Governor-appointed State Liaison Officer to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission for Kansas. Since her retirement, Kim has been working as a technical assistant for the Conference of Radiation Control Program Directors, Inc. MICHAEL WALTHER Former Technical Business and Development Director, recently semi-retired Michael E. Walther brings over three decades of environmental consulting and mitigation experience, including two decades with environmental/engineering due diligence firms, developing hazardous materials and radon investigation and mitigation programs, for nationwide lender and real-estate investor clients, to meet bank and agency loan standards. Michael remains active in the radon industry, exploring radon business synergies with several firms, and proposing a pilot awareness and testing program to small medical practice serving new and expecting parents. He also serves as a founding officer and Secretary of the Maryland Chapter of the Indoor Environment (pursuing regulatory requirements for certification and licensure), serves on the SG-OMM standards development committee, and plans commercial JTA support. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources Management from the University of Maryland and multiple certifications in radon and hazardous materials measurement and mitigation. DUANE WEST Owner, 3R’s Construction and Remodeling Duane West, a native Oregonian, is deeply passionate about life and its preservation. Actively engaged in the radon industry from both a mitigation and educational standpoint, he serves as an IEA/AARST Board member and chair of the NW Radon Coalition Advocacy Subcommittee. This year, he is advocating for Oregon legislators to expand required radon testing to include seniors, children, and underserved groups. Duane collaborated with Oregon State University on a pilot program to educate students about radon gas dangers and empower them to spread awareness in their communities. He owns a construction company and is involved in various IEA/AARST committees, including National Director, Symposium Committee Chair, and Membership Committee Chair. Additionally, he teaches CE radon courses for real estate professionals and inspectors and is trained in mold and indoor environmental hazards. Duane is committed to promoting radon awareness from the classroom to the legislature.
THE RADON REPORTER | 11 CHAPTER CORNER Ohio Chapter Golf Tournament On June 18th, at the Bent Tree Golf Club in Sunbury, the Ohio Chapter came together for the Fourth Annual outing to support legislative efforts in Ohio while enjoying a beautiful day. IEA National presentation to NE Chapter 2024 New England Radon Conference The New England Chapter of AARST/IEA held its annual radon education conference on June 13th and 14th at the Spruce Radon Training Center in Ward Hill, Massachusetts. State and regional radon and indoor environments updates were provided by: Amanda Parkins, Connecticut; Jon Dyer, Maine; Stefanie Santora, Massachusetts; Lea Anne Atwell, New Hampshire; Michelle Thompson, Vermont; and Dan Burke from US EPA Region 1. Chapter President Ed Beauregard announced the results of the 2024 election, welcoming new President Michael Christophides and Vice President Matt Hendrick, and welcoming back Secretary Dave Hill, Treasurer Jordan Clark, and Directors Shawn Price, Christopher Gordon, and Josh Clark. Ed will also serve as a Director. Ed Beauregard was presented an award for his long service as a member and officer of the New England Chapter. Dave Hill presented an award to esteemed member, Pat Everett, for “surviving many years of the radon gauntlet.” Thursday afternoon was devoted to two CE courses: “The Psychology of Sales: An Ethical Approach to Selling,” taught by Dan Raucci and “Advanced Diagnostics,” taught by Matt Hendrick. On Friday, Matt Hendrick presented an 8-hour course, “Soil Gas Mitigation Compliance Inspector.” (l) Chapter Secretary Dave Hill presented an award to esteemed member, Pat Everett. (r) Incoming Chapter President Mike Christophides presented an award to Ed Beauregard.
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THE RADON REPORTER | 13 PROFICIENCY NRPP’s Radon Measurement and Mitigation certification programs are accredited to ISO/IEC 17024: Conformity Assessment. General requirements for bodies operating certification of persons (2012), but what, exactly, does that mean? Standards provide a framework for ensuring quality. Accreditation is an independent, third-party evaluation of a conformity assessment body (certifying body) against recognized standards. Although a number of certification standards exist in the marketplace, ISO/IEC 17024, Conformity assessment– General requirements for bodies operating certification of persons specifies requirements for transparency, impartiality, management systems, examination development, and development of certification requirements. Accreditation to ISO/IEC 17024, Conformity assessment– General requirements for bodies operating certification of persons is an indication that the certifying body is competent to carry out its certification activities and provides a global benchmark for quality certification. ANAB is a non-governmental organization and a whollyowned subsidiary of American National Standards Institute, Inc. (ANSI), which is a non-profit organization. ANAB, as an accrediting body, assesses and accredits organizations to international and domestic standards. ANAB ISO/IEC 17024 accreditation is the most widely accepted accreditation offered for personnel certification bodies and the most recognized program internationally. ANAB accreditation to ISO/IEC 17024 requires that NRPP demonstrate competence in the following areas: • Structure • Resources • Records and information • Development of certification schemes • Certification processes • Management system The initial accreditation process required NRPP to complete an application to allow ANAB to assess its compliance to the above requirements, provide evidence to support NRPP’s response to each requirement, and participate in a two-day site visit with two ANAB assessors. During the two-day site visit in 2022, assessors reviewed and witnessed NRPP’s policies, procedures, and processes. After being awarded initial accreditation,, NRPP completes an annual surveillance application and reports on any changes that occurred What is Accreditation? ISO/IEC 17024 Amy Roedl, NRPP Proficiency Director over the past year and provides evidence to support those changes. The accreditation cycle is a five-year cycle; one-day site visits are required every other year beginning the year after initial accreditation is granted. At the end of the five-year cycle, NRPP reapplies for accreditation, essentially starting from scratch. NRPP’s goal is to ensure its credentials mean what they are supposed to mean and do what they are supposed to do: identify individuals who possess the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively measure or mitigate radon to keep the public safe and protect their health and wellbeing. The market is full of certifications, many of which fall short in assessing the competencies required for effective performance in a job role or profession and leave consumers confused and unsure of whether the credential assesses skills needed by employers. There are options for those who are considering a radon credential; certifying bodies who adhere to a set of standards and best practices in certification development provide credentials that are valid and reliable indicators of professional competence. ANAB accreditation to ISO/IEC 17024 is confirmation of NRPP’s dedication and attention to quality. EPA and ISO 17024 The US EPA has announced the intent that its revised framework for approving radon credentialing bodies would require that private certification programs be accredited by an EPA-recognized accreditation body under ISO/IEC 17024:2012, state-run programs that require a certification must rely on certifications only from an ISO/IEC 17024:2012 accredited certification body, and state-run credentialing programs’ exams must be administered by an ISO/IEC 17024:2012 third party accredited certification body under the same conditions as those taking the exam for certification purposes.
14 | September 2024 STANDARDS Quality Assurance Plans and Standard Operating Procedures: What? How? Why? Rebecca Turek, IEA Quality Assurance Manager Radon measurement professionals – currently certified or candidate - often ask some variation of the question “How do I write a QAP (Quality Assurance Plan)?” A QAP is important to a business because it helps to minimize errors in the delivery or manufacture of the product or service, improves efficiency and cost effectiveness, and promotes continuous improvement. In the radon industry, it keeps both professionals and their clients safer. As part of a Quality Management System, a QAP should be maintained in conjunction with a set of SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures), data tracking, and regular audits. The ANSI/AARST MS-QA 2023 Standard, which can be viewed for free online or purchased, offers a Sample QAP Manual template in the Companion Guidance, Section D at the end of the document. This is the first source measurement professionals should consult whether they are conducting a review of their current QAP or starting a radon measurement company and don’t know where to start. It is applicable regardless of the size of the organization. IEA’s audits of QAPs have found that the most common areas of noncompliance are QC (quality control) tracking, chain of custody (COC) documentation, and a lack of SOPs. The biggest problem observed, even if it’s a great QAP, is that some radon measurement professionals don’t do what they say they will do in their plan. Typically, this is evident in records that should be documenting QC activities. The professionals complete their spikes, duplicates, etc., successfully but they don’t track or document it. Section A in the MS-QA Companion Guidance breaks down a spreadsheet sample, including the calculation formulas for each cell which can make documentation much easier. There are a lot of ways a professional can manage the COC, whether software or a paper form. Spreadsheet records also work well once you get started. The purpose of a COC is to know where the data and devices were and who was responsible for them at all times. The benefit of a thorough COC is that, when it is necessary to address an error, bias, or other problem using a root cause analysis, issues can be more easily addressed if all of the relevant information is available. Even for a sole practitioner it is great to be able to provide this documentation should a test result ever be called into question. A SOP serves to standardize a process. Section 2.3.9 in the MS-QA QAP template states that “The onsite technician is to document the location and serial numbers of blank detectors placed in the field.” If a company has 10 technicians, it is highly likely that after 10 jobs there would be 10 very different documentation results if that was the only direction provided to employees. One could take a picture, one could make a note on their phone, one could scribble in a notebook, etc. None of these are necessarily wrong, but it is best practice to have uniformity. A good rule of thumb is if you won the lottery tomorrow, your SOP should be thorough enough that whoever takes over the next day can come in and complete the work based on the SOP. QAPs and SOPs can be living documents—if you want to change how something works at your company to make improvements outside of your internal audit schedule, go for it. As you make those improvements, it is best to update your documents to reflect those changes and supplement them with your CAPA (corrective and preventive actions) documentation. A popular QA mantra is “If you didn’t document it, it didn’t happen!”
THE RADON REPORTER | 15 PROFICIENCY New NRPP Certified Professionals Webcast Radon-Smoking Synergy: Proven-Effective Strategies to Lower Your Risk for Lung Cancer November 21, 2024 2 p.m. – 3 p.m. ET Register at https://bit.ly/SynergisticRisk May Alexa G Snyder (IL), Austin L Milam (CO), Barry Mankin (TN), Brady T Timbrook (CO), Brian A Farley (CO), Brian K MacIver (MD), Brian Mankin (TN), Bryan C JacobsonReighter (IN), Chance Bertolami (CO), Christopher S Webb (MD), Christopher Tyler Bradley (CO), Cody Combs (KY), Cole P Bova (CT), Daniel Bright (CO), David A Dooley, President MJW Corporation (NY), David Beadles (MO), Dylan Strawser (OH), Edward R Hagstrom (OK), Emily Ambrosi (NJ), Eric S Gardner (AZ), Gabriela Cyrulik (CA), Glen Boley (UT), Jacob K Hansen (CO), Jarad S Hayden (CO), Jason Carmack (AR), Joel Fortenberry (CO), John A Strimple (NC), Jonathan J Walker (VA), Joseph L Danes (ID), Joshua K Moore (CO), Justin R Trujillo (CO), Kelsy Soderlund (MA), Kevin P Nelson (CO), Landen c Bullock (UT), Latima L Clark (OR), Levi Prather (GA), Marley Watkins (AZ), Matthew D Goldman (GA), Matthew G LaGrange (IN), Mercer Wright (NV), Michael J Schatzke (ND), Michael W Lingle (IN), Michelle L Everitt (CA), Mya A Smith (IN), Nathan A Bodnar (CT), Nathan J Brown (IN), Neil Pasko (CO), Nolan B Stowers (CO), Patrick R Seng (KY), Perry J Davis (CO), Randy G Scheer (ID), Robert W Finch (GA), Roo Beers (CO), Ryan Sodan (MN), Samuel McClanahan (CO), Sarah E Vitro (NY), Virginia K Duckworth (VA), Whitney A Davis (OK), William D Rittner (AR) June Anthony J Sigona (NY), Austin Giannasi (VA), David Christie (KS), David Meixell (CO), David Moss (CO), Drue B Marino (CT), Dylan Brewer (CO), Florisel Rodriguez Cardoza (CO), Gareth W Kerlin (VA), Glenn D Tofani (CA), Haewoo Jeong (GY), Jason E Treadway (VA), Jason R Boyd (TN), Jeremy Stephens (GA), Julie L Hill (TX), Kathryn L Foster (CO), Keegan Begley (CO), Killan Pearson (CO), Lorris J Smith (CO), Luke Berneking (VA), Mark Seyfried (SC), Matthew D Goldman (GA), Maya Matsuoka (HI), Nayeli Isabela Diez de Bonilla (CA), Reginald S Brown (GA), Richard Holden (FL), Ronald L Rupp (MO), Sean Polce (MI), Steve Leslie (IL), Timothy W Peterson (MN), Tracy Peeples (MS), Tyler Sanderhoff (NY), William J Bausman (MN) July Adam Deeb (IN), Alex B Goble (CO), Blake N Thornton (MA), Brian Priddy (KY), Briana Aragon (CO), Colin Wogrin (CO), Dylan Nieman (TN), Dylan Strawser (OH), Dyllan Rose (OH), Eli B Kays (NC), Elijah Chamberlain (AZ), Erik R Cox (MA), Erin E Coulson (KY), Gabriel S Rupert (UT), Gary Fryman (TN), Guilherme A Barreto (MD), Haley Johnson (KY), Isaac C Bowling (KY), James C Robinson (KY), JoAnn M Rupp (MO), Josh Burgess (CO), Justin C Rest (VA), Karen s Hartley (IN), Keith Gavia (IL), Kent Molin (CO), Kevin Jones (NC), Leia Staples (KY), Logan Yamamoto (HI), Luke Y Feher (CA), Paige Williams (UT), Ray Ismail (IL), Robert H Blanchard (VA), Robert Lang (CO), Roxford J Daniels (CO), Sean W Work (CO), Stephen Gustav Geuder (CO), Steve D Hart (KY), Timothy J Gardner (VA), Timothy J Lanter (KY), Troy Mackey (CO), Tyler Battershell (IN), Whitney A Davis (OK), Zane P Byrne (CO)
16 | September 2024 PROFICIENCY NRPP Update: All NRPP Exams Are Now Delivered by Certiverse NRPP partnered with Certiverse in the fall of 2023 to securely proctor the radon measurement exams remotely and has recently transferred all remaining exams over to the Certiverse platform. As of May 20, all radon measurement exams (RMP and RMFT), all radon mitigation exams (RMI and RMS) and the Compliance Inspector exam are proctored by Certiverse. The requirements and rules for taking a remotely proctored exam with Certiverse are the same as those of the previous delivery provider, however the test-taker experience is different. Highlights include the following: • Proctoring is no longer done through Zoom. To take an exam with Certiverse, test-takers must install a secure browser that “locks down” their computer to prevent them from accessing the internet, email, or other applications during the exam. This provides a level of exam security that goes beyond the previous proctoring method. • Verbal interaction with the proctor is no longer required. Feedback from the 2023 candidate survey indicated dissatisfaction with the previous proctors’ oral communication with the test-taker. Now, all communication with proctors is done through a chat feature on the Certiverse platform. • Another concern identified through NRPP’s 2023 candidate survey was the inability to take a test in an open-concept location and required the examinee to take the exam in a room with one door. With Certiverse, tests can now be taken in “open-concept” living spaces and no longer have to be taken in a room with only one door. Results from NRPP’s 2023 candidate survey indicate that only 10% of test-takers had difficulty understanding the communications with the proctors at Certiverse in comparison with 90% of those who tested through the previous provider, and they experienced a greater level of customer support and more responsive and more professional proctors. The rules for taking a remotely-proctored exam have not changed and are designed to ensure the security of the exam content while providing a testing experience that is as secure as brick-and-mortar in-person test centers. A working webcam and microphone are required to take a remotely-proctored exam, and examinees must take the test in a quiet, well-lit location where they will remain uninterrupted. During the onboarding process (before entering the exam), proctors ensure a secure testing environment. Examinees are expected to: • Verify their identity by showing the proctor a valid identification • Remove all notes or other materials from the testing area and demonstrate compliance by showing the proctor, through the webcam, the testing surface and the area around, behind, and under the testing surface. • Place cell phone and all other electronic equipment out of reach Once the environment has been approved, examinees are required to agree to the NRPP Exam Agreement and are then provided access to the exam. While taking the exam, examinees may not read the questions out loud and may not move their faces out of view of the webcam. Proctors will monitor examinees for suspicious test-taking behavior and will interrupt the exam to warn examinees and correct behaviors when they are not compliant with the testing rules. Proctors are at liberty to terminate exam sessions when the testing rules are broken, when cheating is suspected, when examinees use profanity or are aggressive toward the proctor, or when behavior is not corrected after sufficient notice. Examinees may not use scrap paper or notes during the exam; all questions that require calculations include an e-calculator and formula sheet. Additionally, the ANSI/AARST Standards are available for use throughout the duration of the exam. After the exam has been completed and submitted, examinees are notified instantly that they either passed or failed. Official results and score reports are sent to examinees within 3 days of the exam, after NRPP has reviewed the exam session and released it. Instructions for scheduling an exam through Certiverse, instructions and technology requirements for taking a remotely-proctored exam, and testing rules are emailed to examinees upon registration. Examinees may contact Certiverse through the chat support feature on the Certiverse website at any time. Certiverse support will assist examinees with scheduling an exam, downloading and installing the secure browser, and accessing the exam on testing day. For more information on NRPP’s measurement and mitigation exams, please visit https://nrpp.info/nrppexams/
THE RADON REPORTER | 17 STANDARDS ANSI/AARST Standards Revisions - Technical Bulletins As a result of the hard work of the leadership and committees of the AARST Consortium on National Standards, American Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists (AARST) last June released the 2023 versions of eight ANSI/AARST Standards. These standards have been revised by their respective all-volunteer committees to, for example, include changes recommended by subject matter experts, make edits necessary to increase clarity, and achieve harmonization across standards. Below are the technical bulletins for two of the updated standards. Through this work, the AARST Consortium continues to lead the way in protecting public health and safety. For an extended look at the update of these two standards go to: MA-MFLB 2023 – Technical Bulletin & Substantive Changes and SGM 2023-Technical Bulletin & Substantive Changes. MA-MFLB 2023 Protocol for Conducting Measurements of Radon and Radon Decay Products in Multifamily, School, Commercial, and Mixed-Use Buildings The MA-MFLB 2023 standard is a comprehensive consolidation and update of the previous MAMF 2017 and MALB 2014 standards. This updated standard aims to streamline the protocols for conducting radon measurements in various building types, ensuring a consistent approach across different environments. Key revisions include: • Harmonization and Consolidation: Merging the MAMF and MALB standards to create a unified protocol. • Enhanced Clarity: Improved editorial clarity and integration of residential and commercial space requirements. • Detailed Test Procedures: Updated sections on test conditions, locations, procedures, and reporting to ensure accuracy and compliance. For more detailed information on the revisions and their implications, you can view the full technical bulletin and substantive changes here: MA-MFLB 2023 Technical Bulletin and Substantive Changes. SGM-MFLB and SGMSF: Soil Gas Mitigation Standards for Existing Homes and Large Buildings The SGM 2023 standards encompass the revised soil gas mitigation protocols for both existing homes and larger buildings such as multifamily units, schools, commercial, and mixed-use buildings. This update consolidates and harmonizes the previous RMS-MF 2018 and RMSLB 2018 standards into a singular, cohesive document. Highlights of the revisions include: • Consolidation and Harmonization: Combining RMSMF and RMS-LB into a single standard, with a focus on consistent application across different building types. • Quality Control and Compliance: New requirements for diagnostic inspections, quality control oversight, and post-mitigation evaluations. • Health and Safety: A rewritten section focusing on a comprehensive safety management plan, including safety training. For a further dive into the revisions, please refer to the technical bulletin and substantive changes here: SGM 2023-Technical Bulletin & Substantive Changes.
18 | September 2024 Page | 1 Technical Bulletin, MA-MFLB March 2024 Technical Bulletin: MA-MFLB MA-MFLB 2023 Protocol for Conducting Measurements of Radon and Radon Decay Products in Multifamily, School, Commercial, and Mixed-Use Buildings (MAMF and MALB consolidated and updated) Objective The purpose of this document is to provide concerned parties with an overview of recent revisions to the ANSI/AARST Standards, Protocol for Conducting Measurements of Radon and Radon Decay Products in Multifamily Buildings (MAMF 2017) and Protocol for Conducting Measurements of Radon and Radon Decay Products in Schools and Large Buildings (MALB 2014). These standards were recently revised, with MAMF and MALB consolidated into a single standard. Scope This Technical Bulletin addresses recent revisions and consolidation of two ANSI/AARST radon measurement standards. This bulletin is relevant only to these latest revisions. It does not address revisions prior to the 2014-17 updates, nor does it address revisions to any other ANSI/AARST standards that may have been recently updated. Background The AARST Consortium “Committee for Radon Measurement Standards” is the body responsible for continual review and update of all ANSI/AARST radon measurement standards. This committee is made up of industry, construction and regulatory professionals, and all proposed revisions are also subject to public review and comment. During the years since the 2014 and 2017 publication of these standards, the committee has reviewed, revised, consolidated, and finalized publication of the standards identified in this document. Historical Overview The ANSI/AARST MALB standard was published in 2014, along with the sibling standard, MAMF, in 2017. The scope of effort entailed a complete review and update of previously published radon measurement standards. Harmonization began in 2020, using the same text for identical tasks within MAMF 2017 and MALB 2014. For needs of compliance assessment after the fact, informational content was moved from within the standard to the attached companion guidance. With many requirements being the same, the effort also sought consolidation of MAMF and MALB into a single standard. 1/21 Transitional Revisions Prior to consolidation of MAMF and MFLB, harmonized versions were published as revisions to the existing documents. The focus included Sections 2 through 8. Most informational content was relocated to the Companion Guidance. __________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________ Page | 2 Section 2 (Before Testing)- Improvements for clarity in introductory 2 (Preparing for the Measurement) included harmonizing the title (Before You Test), as used in ANSI/AARST MAH (measurement in homes). Improved editorial clarity and correctness was sought for each provision. Differences between residential and commercial spaces were integrated. For instance, as applicable to MALB but not MAMF, requirements "where not occupied both day and night" were included. This type of integration allowed expansion of scope to "Mixed-Use Buildings”. Relative to test devices, the use of radon decay product measurement devices is relegated to the applicable ANSI/AARST MAH standard and not repeated in Section 8. Quality control for test devices was moved to Section 2 (previously in Section 5). Requirements relative to keeping records of each dwelling/unit were enhanced. Required communication with property owners/managers were enhanced and emphasized. Section 3 (Test Locations)- Ground-contact and upper-floor test locations were integrated for both residential and commercial spaces. New: For school and commercial spaces, the testing requirement is limited to locations that are occupied or intended to be occupied. Section 4 (Test Conditions)- Test conditions that include closed-building protocol were moved to Section 4. For all measurement standards, this is more closely related to preparation prior to testing and applicable to most all test procedures. Section 5 (Test Procedures and Options)- The editorial renditions are drawn more from MAMF than the older MALB. However, the recommended "evaluations of occupied versus unoccupied locations" from MALB are integrated. Post-mitigation test protocols were moved to Section 7.3. Section 6 (Conducting the Test)- The revision now further elaborates on details specifically related to actions at the project location. Topics previously only addressed in MALB (Section 2) for complicated HVAC issues are integrated here. Section 7 (Actions Based on Test Results)- Section 7.2 adds the requirement that where two test results at different times disagree on whether concentrations are below or above the action level, the higher test result shall be regarded as correct, unless further testing indicates otherwise. Section 8 (Test Reports)- "Documentation, Protocols and Guidance" is now harmonized into Section 8. Clarity on summary report content was harmonized with MAMF, to provide simpler uniform reports, while still addressing complications and nuances. Initial tests that did not include testing 100% of ground-contact dwellings or units does not comply with this standard. Further testing to comply with this standard is therefore required, as previously required in MAMF Section 7.1.8.1 f. Section 8.4 (Summary Report Attachments) includes additional elaborations and requirements for summary report attachments include reporting building operating conditions for comparing annual average and during the test. This reporting seeks to address concerns relative to concerns previously addressed in MAMF Section 7.1.8.4 b and c. Technical Bulletin, MA-MFLB March 2024
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