Indoor Environments 2024 ™
Radon and Vapor Intrusion Symposium

September 15 – 18, 2024
Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress
1 Grand Cypress Blvd. Orlando, FL 32836

NOW OPEN: Call for Abstracts
Deadline: Extended to April 8, 5:00 PM ET

Last year’s Symposium offered the most comprehensive program to date with 90 speakers, 50 booths of products and services for participants, and pre-symposium courses on Sunday. In 2024, we’re planning even more! See below for steps to submit abstracts for consideration as platform or poster presentations. We are also accepting proposals for Sunday short courses. 

How to Submit

Proposals and abstracts must be uploaded onto our Cvent Abstract portal using the submit buttons on this page by April 1, 2024.

  • Must be in MS Word (.doc or docx) or another text document format (no .pdfs).
  • Proposals must also include one Quiz Question and answer, based on the content of the topic. Questions are in the form of Yes/No, True/False, or Multiple Choice and the answer must be indicated.
  • Include all the information in the template provided in the link. https://aarst.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Abstract_Template_WORD.doc
  • Title shall indicate the abstract category code and last name of the author.
  • Specify a requested amount of presentation time: 20, 30, or 40 minutes, and if Q&A is part of the presentation.
  • Indicate if you are submitting as a Poster Presenter.
  • Additionally you will be asked to provide a photo, a brief biography, and other ways attendees can contact or connect. You may return to your submission at any time to edit or add these items.

Submissions that do not adhere to the instructions will be returned for editing.

Technical and Educational Scope

Scope: Presentations should consist of, but are not limited to new original research, (suggested categories listed below) empirical or applied, on radon and vapor intrusion risk, radon and vapor intrusion measurement, radon and vapor intrusion mitigation, soil gas controls in new construction, analytics, risk communication, and similar topics are encouraged, including abstracts from related scientific, engineering and health-related disciplines. We also welcome presentations on effective methods of conveying essential radon and vapor intrusion messages to target audiences, reducing risk for low-income families, marketing and expanding radon and vapor intrusion professional services, enacting and implementing new public policy, demonstrating radon and vapor intrusion technology, and similar activities to further the radon and vapor intrusion professions and transfer of information. Submissions are welcome on all relevant topics. 

IEA is committed to meaningful and impactful discussions and outcomes, and it is crucial to ensure that the topics selected during the review process focus on align with IEA goals and interests. Our aim should be to engage with topics that not only resonate with our immediate professional environment but also contribute meaningfully to broader conversations in our field. Consider the following key tenents when submitting:

Relevance to Our Industry:
Does the topic directly relate to our industry’s current trends, challenges, or future directions?
How will exploring this topic benefit our industry or contribute to professional practices within it?

General Relevance:
Is the topic of significance in the broader context beyond our immediate industry?
Could this topic have implications or applications in other fields or sectors?

Interest Level:
Will the topic engage and captivate the interest of our workgroup members and our wider audience?
Does it provoke curiosity or bring a fresh perspective to known issues?

Defensibility of the Premise:
Is the topic’s premise supported by data, research, or credible observations?
Can the topic withstand critical scrutiny and spark constructive debate?

Abstract Categories

Abstract Category Codes
Research
RA – Analytic Methods/Results
RC – Cost-Effectiveness of Strategies – mitigation, new buildings, policies, program options
RD – Data Collection, Analysis and Mapping
RH – Health Risk Assessment – residential case-control studies, other epidemiologic studies
RM – Mitigation Methods/Results – vapor intrusion, water, commercial, challenging buildings
RNC – Soil Gas Control in New Construction
RR – Radon and Radioactivity – health physics, dosage
RS – Sources – new materials and material studies
RT – Radon Testing/Measurement Methods/Results – QA/QC, devices, large buildings, water, sampling
RV – Vapor Intrusion Investigation – sampling/measurement/evaluation
RZ – Other Research Topics

Practice/Policy
PBD – Biz Development – radon professional marketing, advertising/media, customer outreach
PLR – Legislative/Regulatory Policy – homebuyer/tenant notification, testing of schools/childcare facilities/homes/workplaces, regulation via certification, updating state regulations, working with legislators and regulators
PRC – IAQ Risk Communication – target audiences, risk/asset management messaging, free/earned media
PLI – Risk Reduction for Low Income Families – mitigation partnerships, public housing, funding
PNC – Soil Gas Control in New Construction – builder-mitigator partnerships, code adoptions, training
PRP – Radon Profession – building capacity, IEA chapters, certification/training
PSP – Strategic Partnerships – Tribes, government, health care providers, realtors, media
PTD – Technical Demonstration – mitigation and measurement methods
PVI – Vapor Intrusion Regulation, Guidance, Policy, Practice
PWS – Worker Safety – for mitigation/measurement professionals, workplace radon exposure
PPZ – Other Practice and Policy Topics

Poster Presentations are welcome and encouraged.

Review and Acceptance

Review:

  • All abstracts and proposals are reviewed by AARST Editorial Board and Technical Committees.
  • Submissions will be confirmed upon receipt.
  • Speakers/Authors will be notified of acceptance or rejection by June 1, 2024.
  • Speakers who intend to present based on an accepted abstract must register for the Symposium by no later than July 2024.

Notification:

  • All submitted proposals will be notified of acceptance decisions via email.
  • Acceptance notification includes all deadlines, tentative date, time, and length of the presentation in the agenda, speaker guidelines, and information about submitting slides.

AARST retains the right to publish all slides on the Symposium website for purposes of public dissemination unless the speaker/presenter withholds permission by written notification. Every effort is made to schedule oral presentations for eligible submitted abstracts, but AARST reserves the right to combine presentations, designate abstracts for poster sessions, and include invited presentations to deliver a diverse and effective program.

Conference Proceedings

Each author of an accepted research abstract will be invited to submit a full paper to be considered for publication in the 2024 AARST Symposium Proceedings.

  • Papers must be received by October 15, 2024.
  • Submittals by an author who has not registered for the Symposium by the July deadline will not be considered. The refereeing of research papers is independent of the Abstract review; the Proceedings are a peer-reviewed publication. Authors will receive grammar and syntax rules (rubrics) along with their abstract acceptance by email.
  • Authors are solely responsible for obtaining all necessary permissions for published material.
  • Authors will be notified if their paper has been accepted for publication, post-symposium.

Pre-Symposium Training Day: Proposals for C.E. Courses

On Sunday of the Symposium, C.E. courses are offered to attendees from 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.

  • IEA promotes and manages the registration for these courses.
  • Educators are fully responsible for the content, and presentation of course completion certificates.
  • All courses shall be NRPP-approved.
  • Please include the course title, NRPP course ID number, instructor name, description, and number of hours (2, 4, 6, or 8)
  • Pricing: 8-hour courses are offered at $280 and 4-hour courses are offered at $140. IEA retains 30% of this fee; the balance is payable to trainers shortly after the close of the symposium.
  • Once courses are selected, trainers will receive official confirmation letters.
  • There are typically 4 classrooms available and assigned based on the student registrations.