Radon Reporter Dec 2024

4 | December 2024 THE RADON REPORTER | 5 ASSOCIATION NEWS LETTER FROMTHE PRESIDENT The past year has marked a transformative journey for the organization formerly known as the American Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists (AARST). Rebranding as the Indoor Environments Association (IEA) signifies a strategic expansion to tackle a broader range of environmental hazards that threaten public health in indoor spaces. This evolution reflects the organization’s commitment to addressing emerging contaminants while honoring its foundation in radon—the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. Why Did AARST Expand Its Mission? One key motivation behind the rebranding was the recognition of additional indoor environmental hazards, specifically vapor intrusion (VI), which poses serious health risks when volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from contaminants in soil or groundwater migrate into buildings. Some of IEA’s members have been deeply involved in VI work for years, pioneering strategies for mitigating these risks. For others, the expansion presents a new opportunity to apply their radon expertise to vapor intrusion, while others still are just beginning to consider VI work. Together, this diverse group of professionals contribute to the IEA’s development of comprehensive standards that address both radon and VI, positioning the organization as an essential resource for handling a range of indoor environmental challenges. In recent years, the association was approached by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other stakeholders to establish standards for vapor intrusion, recognizing the overlap in the infrastructure and technology used for radon and VI mitigation. The ANSI-AARST mitigation standards were retitled as “soil gas mitigation” standards to encompass both contaminants, creating a robust foundation for handling indoor air quality threats. IEA’s membership has brought their expertise to this endeavor, supporting the development of American National Standards Institute (ANSI) / AARST standards and helping to shape ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB)-accredited credentials that establish best practices in both radon and vapor intrusion mitigation. IEA and the ANSI/AARST standards consortium have been instrumental in developing best practices and advancing shared research in vapor intrusion. However, we need to keep pushing forward. We will prioritize education, outreach, and policy advocacy to elevate the importance of vapor intrusion within public health dialogues. Our goal is to ensure that vapor intrusion is as widely recognized and addressed as radon exposure. IEA’s Role Moving Forward Our organization is uniquely positioned to be the leader in promoting both radon and vapor intrusion awareness and mitigation. We have a dedicated network of professionals who are committed to protecting public health and advancing our fields. Moving forward, our focus will be on three key areas: 1. Policy Advocacy: We will continue to work on legislative efforts at both the federal and state levels to drive awareness and support for comprehensive policies that protect communities. 2. Credentials and Training: The demand for professionals qualified to deliver radon and vapor intrusion services is increasing. IEA is committed to meeting that demand through NRPP’s enhanced certifications, current credentials, and training approvals. We will continue to provide opportunities for professional development and ensure our members are equipped with training in the latest knowledge and skills. 3. Standards and Innovation: Through the ongoing development of ANSI/AARST standards, we remain committed to setting the highest benchmarks for safety and effectiveness. We will continue to embrace innovation, supporting research and the adoption of new technologies that make radon and vapor intrusion mitigation more effective and accessible. I am incredibly proud of the work that IEA has accomplished so far and am optimistic about our future. Together, we will continue to make strides in reducing radon and vapor intrusion risks, creating safer environments for all. Thank you for your dedication, resilience, and hard work. Let’s continue to drive our industry forward and work towards a future where every family and community can breathe easier. Indoor Environments Association: A New Era in Indoor Environmental Health