Radon Reporter Dec 2024

ASSOCIATION NEWS 6 | December 2024 Leveraging Expertise to Expand Professional Opportunities IEA’s expanded mission offers members new ways to diversify their skills and extend their services. The organization’s members include experts in radon measurement and mitigation, many of whom are now leveraging their technical knowledge to address vapor intrusion and potentially other contaminants in the future. By participating in the development of ANSI/ AARST standards and ANAB-accredited credentials, members are broadening their expertise and gaining valuable certifications that make them even more trusted authorities in the field. This diversification is beneficial not only to individual professionals but also to the association and its chapters. With more credentialed experts, IEA is able to solidify its reputation as a central hub of expertise, serving property owners/managers, regulators, and communities who seek reliable solutions for indoor air quality issues. The expanded scope allows IEA members to access new business opportunities, empowering them to offer comprehensive services that address an array of contaminants in indoor spaces. Addressing Public Health Implications IEA’s mission has always been rooted in saving lives, a commitment reflected in its decades-long focus on preventing radon-induced lung cancer. However, radon is just one part of the larger indoor environmental health picture. Health risks associated with vapor intrusion, for instance, are substantial. VOCs such as trichloroethylene (TCE) and benzene—both common in VI cases—are known carcinogens and prolonged exposure can lead to serious health issues. With a broadened scope, the IEA is better positioned to address these varied threats and advocate for public health measures to mitigate risks from multiple contaminants. By maintaining and developing standards, certifying technical proficiency, and collaborating with regulatory agencies, IEA plays an instrumental role in preventing exposure to hazardous indoor pollutants. This proactive approach allows the association to extend its life-saving impact beyond radon, creating healthier living and working spaces nationwide. Responding to Emerging Public Policy Needs The association’s expanded focus also strengthens its role in influencing public policy on indoor environmental quality. Indoor environmental hazards are increasingly on the radar of government agencies and regulatory bodies, and IEA’s longstanding experience makes it uniquely equipped to support policy development on contaminants beyond radon. As policymakers and industry leaders work to address indoor air quality more comprehensively, IEA’s expertise in public policy, credentialing, and standard-setting ensures that buildings are designed and maintained to meet the highest health and safety standards. By shaping ANSI standards and ANAB-accredited credentials, IEA prepares itsmembers tomeet the stringent requirements of emerging regulations, positioning them to be both compliant and competitive as the industry evolves. Ensuring Organizational Sustainability The rebranding as the Indoor Environments Association™ is also a forward-looking step that ensures the organization’s long-term sustainability. By broadening its reach, IEA attracts a more diverse membership base and engages stakeholders who are invested in a wider range of indoor environmental challenges. This expansion enhances the association’s relevance and vitality, providing members with resources, training, and advocacy opportunities that are aligned with the ever- evolving field of indoor environmental health. As a nonprofit, the IEA remains dedicated to upholding the highest standards of excellence and ethical performance in hazard identification and abatement. This expanded mission not only supports public health but also nurtures a growing community of credentialed professionals who are equipped to address both present and future challenges in indoor environmental health. A Future Beyond Radon and Vapor Intrusion While radon and vapor intrusion remain the current focus, the association is positioned to explore other contaminants should they arise as significant public health concerns in indoor environments. This adaptability enables IEA to be both responsive and proactive, continually evolving to serve its members, stakeholders, and the public. In summary, the rebranding of AARST as the Indoor Environments Association™ reflects a strategic transformation that enhances the organization’s impact on public health, professional development, and policy influence. By embracing a broader scope and leveraging the skills and dedication of its members, the IEA is poised to safeguard public health from a range of indoor environmental hazards, ensuring healthier indoor spaces for communities across the country. Regarding ANSI/AARST Standards’ Name: Because this designation for the standards has been incorporated into laws and regulations, the name “ANSI/ AARST” will continue. 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