Indoor Environments Association Podcast

Send us Fan MailRadon is most often discussed as an indoor air issue — but what about radon in water?In this episode of The Indoor Environments Project, we explore a lesser-known yet important pathway of exposure: radon in well water. For homes that rely on private wells, radon in water can contribute to indoor air levels and raise important questions about testing, health risks, and mitigation.Host Diane Swecker is joined by Dr. Uttam Saha and Dr. Michael Kitto, two leading experts whose research and standards work have helped shape our understanding of radon in both air and water.Together, they break down: How radon enters groundwater and why levels can vary dramatically—even between neighboring homes  The key differences between radon in air and radon in water  How everyday activities like showering and laundering can release radon into indoor air  The real health considerations, including inhalation vs. ingestion pathways  When and how homeowners should test well water for radon  What to look for in a qualified testing professional or laboratory  Current guidelines, regulatory challenges, and how standards are evolving  Mitigation options, including aeration and granular activated carbon systems  A practical field question: should you test water and air at the same time? This episode highlights an important reality: radon in water is highly variable, often overlooked, and must be tested to be understood.🎓 Continuing Education CreditThis episode is approved for 1 NRPP continuing education credit for IEA members.To claim your credit: Log in to your Indoor Environments account → Navigate to CE Courses → Select IEA-402.📍 Join Us at the IEA SymposiumWant to go deeper?Join professionals from across the country at the Indoor Environments Association Symposium in Norfolk, VA (October 4–7, 2026). Early Bird (by June 30): $645 for members | $800 for non-members After June 30: $745 for members | $900 for non-members Student Rate: $450 (with valid student ID) 🔍 Key TakeawayRadon doesn’t just come from the ground beneath your home — it can also come from the water you use every day. Understanding both pathways is essential for making informed decisions about testing and mitigation.🎙️ About the PodcastThe Indoor Environments Project is the official podcast of the Indoor Environments Association, bringing together experts, practitioners, and researchers to explore the science and standards shaping indoor environmental health.Support the showThe Indoor Environment Project is brought to you by the Indoor Environments Association—advancing science, policy, and professionalism in radon, vapor intrusion, and indoor air quality.📬 Got feedback, questions, or a story to share? Email us at [email protected]! 💡 Subscribe to stay updated on future episodes—and don’t forget to leave a review if you enjoyed the show! 🌐 Learn more about our work at indoorenvironments.org.Because better air starts with better professionals.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of The Indoor Environments Project, host Diane Swecker is joined by Rachel Peterson, P.G., Environmental Department Manager at AGW, and Tony McDonald, CEO of A-Z Solutions, for a deep dive into vapor intrusion in practice.While vapor intrusion is often discussed alongside radon mitigation, this conversation explores where the similarities end — and where complexity begins.Together, they unpack how vapor intrusion projects are identified, designed, and executed in real-world settings, including: What types of sites present vapor intrusion risk and how those risks are evaluated  The role of the conceptual site model in shaping mitigation decisions  Key differences between radon mitigation systems and vapor intrusion systems Why verification testing can be significantly more complex, especially when VOCs from building materials influence results  How pilot testing and pressure field data inform system design  Why successful projects depend on a multidisciplinary team, including consultants, regulators, and mitigation professionals The discussion also highlights common challenges in the field, including misinterpretation of data, overreach in project scope, and the importance of understanding the limits of your expertise.Whether you’re a radon professional expanding into vapor intrusion, an environmental consultant, or involved in building design and redevelopment, this episode provides valuable insight into the realities of vapor intrusion work.To learn about the benefits of being an IEA member go to indoorenvironments.orgSupport the showThe Indoor Environment Project is brought to you by the Indoor Environments Association—advancing science, policy, and professionalism in radon, vapor intrusion, and indoor air quality.📬 Got feedback, questions, or a story to share? Email us at [email protected]! 💡 Subscribe to stay updated on future episodes—and don’t forget to leave a review if you enjoyed the show! 🌐 Learn more about our work at indoorenvironments.org.Because better air starts with better professionals.

Send us Fan MailRadon risk is not a snapshot in time — it’s a lifetime exposure.In this episode of The Indoor Environments Project, we’re joined by Dr. Alison Wallace, thoracic surgeon and lung cancer researcher, to explore how cumulative radon exposure contributes to lung cancer risk — particularly among never-smokers.Dr. Wallace shares insights from her ongoing research in Nova Scotia, where elevated residential radon levels have prompted new investigation into biologic “signatures” of long-term exposure. Her team is studying lung tissue, blood, saliva, and even toenails to better understand how radon affects the body over time — and how that data could eventually refine lung cancer screening criteria.We discuss:• Why lifetime exposure is difficult to quantify • The challenge of expanding screening beyond smoking history • What happens when patients discover high radon after decades in one home • The gap between public awareness and medical education • Why radon is uniquely positioned as a preventable environmental riskThis conversation bridges environmental science, clinical medicine, and public policy — and reinforces a powerful truth: radon is measurable, manageable, and preventable.Better air starts with better professionals. Indoor Environments 2026™ | Radon Mitigation | Vapor Intrusion | Lung Cancer Screening | Environmental Health | ANSI/AARST Standards Support the showThe Indoor Environment Project is brought to you by the Indoor Environments Association—advancing science, policy, and professionalism in radon, vapor intrusion, and indoor air quality.📬 Got feedback, questions, or a story to share? Email us at [email protected]! 💡 Subscribe to stay updated on future episodes—and don’t forget to leave a review if you enjoyed the show! 🌐 Learn more about our work at indoorenvironments.org.Because better air starts with better professionals.

Send us Fan MailArtificial intelligence is showing up everywhere — but what does it actually mean for the radon industry?In this episode of The Indoor Environments Project, we take a grounded, professional look at how AI is beginning to influence radon measurement, mitigation design, quality control, documentation, and public communication — and where firm boundaries still need to remain.January is Radon Awareness Month, making this conversation especially timely. While AI can support better data analysis, pattern recognition, and reporting, it is not a replacement for certified radon professionals, field experience, or professional judgment.Host Diane Swecker is joined by two guests with complementary perspectives:Lorin Stieff, Vice President of Rad Elec, with extensive experience in radon technology, software development, and standards workChad Smith, NRPP-certified radon measurement and mitigation professional, owner of Monarch Radon Testing, and founder of RadonSketch, bringing deep field and diagnostics expertiseTogether, they discuss:Where AI can genuinely support radon professionalsHow AI may help with QA/QC, documentation, and defensibilityThe risks, limitations, and ethical considerations of AI toolsWhy trust, standards, and human accountability remain central to public healthThe episode closes with a reminder of why radon testing matters — and a short song to help make the message stick.Support the showThe Indoor Environment Project is brought to you by the Indoor Environments Association—advancing science, policy, and professionalism in radon, vapor intrusion, and indoor air quality.📬 Got feedback, questions, or a story to share? Email us at [email protected]! 💡 Subscribe to stay updated on future episodes—and don’t forget to leave a review if you enjoyed the show! 🌐 Learn more about our work at indoorenvironments.org.Because better air starts with better professionals.

Send us Fan MailEpisode 5: Standards – Why They MatterIn this episode of The Indoor Environments Project, we dig into one of the most powerful forces shaping our industry: standards. From radon and vapor intrusion to environmental due diligence—standards make our work safer, more consistent, and grounded in science.Fresh off an incredible IEA Symposium in Fort Worth, we’re joined by two leaders who live and breathe this work every day:🧪 Myca Bruno Managing Director of Indoor Air Quality at BBG Assessment, ANSI/AARST Measurement Standards Committee member, and President of the IEA North Carolina Chapter.🔬 Shawn Price Director of Operations for Air Chek and AccuStar Labs, former IEA President, Chair of the Standards Management Council, and Chair of the ANSI/AARST MEAS Standard.Together, they take us behind the scenes of standards development—what the consensus process really looks like, why transparency matters, and how real-world science guides every update.You’ll hear: • What happens when testing and mitigation aren’t grounded in standards • Examples where following the standard protected families and revealed hidden risks • How standards reduce liability, strengthen trust, and level the playing field for all businesses • Why YOUR voice is needed in public comments and volunteer committees • What’s next for radon, vapor intrusion, and IAQ standardsAnd because this episode drops right before Thanksgiving—we’re sharing a moment of gratitude for the professionals who make homes, schools, and workplaces safer every day.Better air starts with better professionals. Subscribe, share, and follow us as we release exclusive Symposium interviews in the coming weeks.Support the showThe Indoor Environment Project is brought to you by the Indoor Environments Association—advancing science, policy, and professionalism in radon, vapor intrusion, and indoor air quality.📬 Got feedback, questions, or a story to share? Email us at [email protected]! 💡 Subscribe to stay updated on future episodes—and don’t forget to leave a review if you enjoyed the show! 🌐 Learn more about our work at indoorenvironments.org.Because better air starts with better professionals.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of The Indoor Environment Project, host Diane Swecker sits down with Amy Roedl, NRPP Director of Proficiency, and Mark Ungerer, Health Physicist Supervisor with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, for an honest and thought-provoking conversation about ethics in the radon and indoor environmental industries.Together, they explore what ethical behavior really looks like in day-to-day practice, the difference between technical and conduct violations, how complaints are investigated, and why doing the right thing—especially when no one’s watching—builds trust and credibility across our profession.This episode also highlights upcoming IEA events and opportunities, including the 2025 IEA Radon and Vapor Intrusion Symposium in Fort Worth, Texas (October 26–29, 2025), and reminds NRPP-certified listeners that this episode is worth 1 CE credit (course code IEA-401).Whether you’re a regulator, a mitigator, or a measurement professional, this discussion will inspire you to keep ethics at the core of your work and strengthen the integrity of our industry.🎓 CE Credit: NRPP-certified members can log in to their IEA account, navigate to CE Courses, and select IEA-401 to answer the quiz and automatically receive a certificate. 🗳️ Reminder: IEA Board of Directors voting closes October 27th at 12 PM (ET). 🎤 Special Feature: Includes “Where Knowledge Meets Action,” the official 2025 Symposium song.Support the showThe Indoor Environment Project is brought to you by the Indoor Environments Association—advancing science, policy, and professionalism in radon, vapor intrusion, and indoor air quality.📬 Got feedback, questions, or a story to share? Email us at [email protected]! 💡 Subscribe to stay updated on future episodes—and don’t forget to leave a review if you enjoyed the show! 🌐 Learn more about our work at indoorenvironments.org.Because better air starts with better professionals.

Send us Fan MailEpisode 3: The Cost of No StandardsWhat happens when radon and vapor intrusion work goes unregulated? In this episode of the Indoor Environments Podcast, host Diane Swecker explores the real-world risks of operating without consistent standards, certification, or licensing.She’s joined by two industry leaders:Jane Malone, National Policy Director at the Indoor Environments Association, with more than 40 years of experience in housing and environmental health.Kyle Hoylman, CEO and Co-Founder of Protect Environmental, longtime advocate for radon safety, and Chair of the Kentucky Board of Radon Safety.Together, they break down:The difference between certification and state licensureWhy standards matter for professionals, regulators, and consumersWhat can go wrong when unqualified contractors do the workHow federal programs and national certifications fill the gaps in unregulated statesThe future of credentialing and enforcement across the U.S.Whether you’re a radon professional, policymaker, or simply care about healthy housing, this episode makes clear why standards are essential—and what it costs us when they’re missing.Support the showThe Indoor Environment Project is brought to you by the Indoor Environments Association—advancing science, policy, and professionalism in radon, vapor intrusion, and indoor air quality.📬 Got feedback, questions, or a story to share? Email us at [email protected]! 💡 Subscribe to stay updated on future episodes—and don’t forget to leave a review if you enjoyed the show! 🌐 Learn more about our work at indoorenvironments.org.Because better air starts with better professionals.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of The Indoor Environments Project, we’re taking a step back—and a big step forward.Join us for a fascinating conversation with Zan Jones, a longtime advocate, educator, and leader in the radon industry, as we explore the history of radon, how the industry first took shape, and where it’s headed next.We’ll cover:How radon was first “discovered” in homes (spoiler: it was almost by accident)The pivotal moments that shaped the radon and indoor air quality industryThe biggest wins—and challenges—we’ve faced as a professionWhat the future holds for radon,  and environmental healthThe critical role of the next generation of professionalsPlus, Zan shares the one word that describes the future of our industry: Radiant.Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just curious about the air you breathe, this episode is packed with insight, perspective, and inspiration for what comes next.The Indoor Environments Project is brought to you by the Indoor Environments Association—advancing science, policy, and professionalism in radon, vapor intrusion, and indoor air quality.Support the showThe Indoor Environment Project is brought to you by the Indoor Environments Association—advancing science, policy, and professionalism in radon, vapor intrusion, and indoor air quality.📬 Got feedback, questions, or a story to share? Email us at [email protected]! 💡 Subscribe to stay updated on future episodes—and don’t forget to leave a review if you enjoyed the show! 🌐 Learn more about our work at indoorenvironments.org.Because better air starts with better professionals.

Send us Fan MailWelcome to the premiere episode of The Indoor Environments Project, the podcast where we explore the evolving world of indoor air quality. In this debut, we’re joined by two industry rockstars: Joshua Kerber, Environmental Research Scientist with the Minnesota Department of Health, and Chad Robinson, founder of Building Performance Co., veteran mitigator and educator from Kansas State University’s Regional Radon Training Center. Together, they’ve seen it all—and they’re here to talk about the most outrageous, head-scratching, and humbling radon challenges of their careers.🎧 We dig into: • “Problem houses” that defy diagnostics • How pros can build resilience, stay ethical, and keep learningAnd in case you were wondering: yes, both Chad and Josh say their rig anthem is Don’t Stop Believin’. After hearing their stories, you’ll understand why.Whether you’re a radon veteran or just getting started in the field, this episode brings a mix of humor, real talk, and practical wisdom that hits home.The Indoor Environment Project is brought to you by the Indoor Environments Association—advancing science, policy, and professionalism in radon, vapor intrusion, and indoor air quality.Support the showThe Indoor Environment Project is brought to you by the Indoor Environments Association—advancing science, policy, and professionalism in radon, vapor intrusion, and indoor air quality.📬 Got feedback, questions, or a story to share? Email us at [email protected]! 💡 Subscribe to stay updated on future episodes—and don’t forget to leave a review if you enjoyed the show! 🌐 Learn more about our work at indoorenvironments.org.Because better air starts with better professionals.