IEA Radon_Reporter_April 2025

ASSOCIATION NEWS THE RADON REPORTER | 3 Saluting Our Public Sector Partners in the Fight Against Radon For decades, the collaboration between the Indoor Environments Association/AARST and our public sector partners has been instrumental in protecting communities from the dangers of radon and other indoor air quality concerns. This partnership has yielded significant achievements in public health, environmental justice, and policy advancements. Our shared commitment to reducing radon exposure traces back to 1988 when President Ronald Reagan signed the Indoor Radon Abatement Act. This landmark legislation established the goal of minimizing radon levels in indoor air across the United States, recognizing the serious health risks associated with radon exposure. In response, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) took action, creating the nation’s primary defense against radon through its comprehensive radon program. A cornerstone of this effort has been the EPA’s State Indoor Radon Grants (SIRG) Program, which has empowered state health departments, tribal organizations, and local agencies to implement radon education, testing, and mitigation initiatives. SIRG funding has supported vital outreach programs, ensuring that communities, especially those most vulnerable, have access to the resources needed to reduce radon risks in homes, schools, and workplaces. Progress to reduce radon risk would not be possible without the unwavering dedication of the state radon programs that depend on SIRG assistance, as well as key federal agencies, including: • The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) – Leading the nation’s radon and indoor air quality efforts through research, guidance, and funding. • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Supporting radon-related public health initiatives and integrating radon data into the Environmental Public Health Tracking Program. • The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – Advancing policies that promote healthier indoor environments in its multifamily lending programs. Together, these agencies, alongside state and tribal health departments, have built a strong framework for radon risk reduction, one that continues to evolve and expand. Thanks to their leadership and unwavering dedication, radon awareness has increased, mitigation strategies have improved, and more homes and buildings are being tested and made safer every year. At the Indoor Environments Association, we deeply appreciate and commend the commitment of these partner agencies and public servants. Their expertise and persistence have made a lasting impact, and we celebrate the vital role they play in protecting public health. While significant progress has been made, there is still more work to be done. With continued collaboration, we can ensure that every American has access to indoor air that is safe and free from the dangers of radon. It is inconceivable and unconscionable that the meager federal financial support for these efforts might be jeopardized by the current political headwinds. IEA stands behind and is standing up for full funding of EPA radon programs and related efforts at CDC and HUD. Letter from the Executive Director, Diane Swecker