2019 International Radon Symposium and Trade Show Denver: Full Schedule

8:00am PDT

Business Tune-up: Staff Training, Media and Promotions

Instructors: Brian Hanson & Kristina Snyder MURC-KSU
4 Hours: 4 Cat I CEU
$120.00 This ia an additional Registration Fee REGISTER
This will be a 4-hour, highly interactive course designed to help radon professionals think critically about and review basic marketing principles, introductory training in radonfor professional staff,community outreach, and promotion of the company through online advertising and social media. The 4-hour course will require attendee participation through worksheets and discussion covering market segmentation in radon, building a company FAQ on radon for customer communication, basics of social media outreach,design of simple online advertisements, and setting online advertising budget and display parameters.

Speakers

Brian Hanson

Trainer, Kansas State Radon Program KSU)

Brian Hanson has been the coordinator for the Kansas Radon Program at Kansas State University since 2002. Mr. Hanson has also been a primary technical assistance operator for the National Radon Program Services at K-State since 2009. Mr. Hanson has also been involved with introductory... Read More →

Kristina Snyder

Instructor, National Radon Program Services

Kristina Snyder has worked as the Radon Program Assistant for both the National Radon Program Services online education and Kansas Radon Program online since 2011. She manages the radon online entry-level and continuing education courses for K-State as well as the education program's... Read More →

Sunday September 8, 2019 8:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Mt. Harvard 3rd Floor

AARST-hosted C.E. Training

8:00am PDT

QAQC for Mitigation Professionals

Instructor: Spruce Environmental Technologies
4 Hours: 4 Cat I CEU
$120.00 This ia an additional Registration Fee REGISTER
An introductory course for Mitigation professionals to understand what goes into a quality assurance plan for mitigation companies including, writing a thorough SOP, Worker Health and Safety plans, Quality Controls and Documentation Requirements. They will also receive guidance on OM&M information to ensure long term health of the client/s. The students should leave with a good understanding of how to write their own QAP (a soon requirement for NRPP certified professionals)

Speakers

Matt Hendrick

Trainer, Spruce Environmental Technologies

Matt Hendrick is an educator and builder with radon testing and mitigation certification and experience who has spent 14 years teaching and developing courses and 15+ years in residential and commercial construction. Senior Training Specialist/Consultant for Spruce Environmental Technologies... Read More →

Sunday September 8, 2019 8:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Mt. Oxford 3rd Floor

AARST-hosted C.E. Training

8:00am PDT

Advanced Diagnostics and Optimal Mitigation

Instructors: Bruce Snead, Chad Robinson
8 Hours: 8 Cat I CEU
$240.00 This ia an additional Registration Fee REGISTER

This will be an 8 hour version of KSU-228, a highly interactive course designed to help radon mitigation professionals develop and strengthen diagnostic techniques as well as build confidence to overcome barriers for successful radon reduction. This course will build on track II technical sessions offered at the last two symposiums which were demonstrations, but doing them in an 8 hour version will enable attendee participation and practice. Anticipated activity stations will include – airflow measurements, blower door HRV sizing measurements, PFE measurements, fan performance measurements, and air pressure demonstration house exercises. Attendees will also be asked to bring challenging diagnostic case studies and any diagnostic tools they want to use/share.

Speakers

Chad Robinson

President, Building Performance Co.

Chad Robinson is the founder of Building Performance Co. His education, BS in Mechanical Engineering, along with his passion for the environment and many years of construction design have led him to focus his expertise on radon mitigation and energy efficiency. Chad is currently the... Read More →

Bruce Snead

Director, National Radon Program Services - KSU

BRUCE SNEAD is Director of Engineering Extension at Kansas State University and has conducted radon industry training since 1989. Bruce has also led K-State’s role in the Kansas Radon Program for 28 years and directs the National Radon Program Services effort for EPA since 2009... Read More →

Sunday September 8, 2019 8:00am - 5:00pm PDT
Mt. Columbia 3rd Floor

AARST-hosted C.E. Training

8:00am PDT

Radon Measurement in Schools and Large Buildings

Instructors: Spruce Environmental Technologies
8 Hours: 8 Cat I CEU
$240.00 This ia an additional Registration Fee REGISTER

Large buildings are as equally susceptible to elevated radon as homes. Their pressure differentials and air flows are often so complex that it is difficult to evaluate and fix a radon problem. This 8 hour class will provide an introduction to participants of some of the dynamics that influence radon entry in larger buildings and how those may fluctuate with use, HVAC changes and construction. Based on those dynamics, the basics of proper measurement will be outlined with the justifications for the procedures. Mitigation of large buildings can be so complicated this course can only suggest areas where practitioners must be especially attentive to radon entry pathways and forces. These lessons are important for building design as radon prevention is more effective than retrofit reduction. Follows the new AARST/ANSI standard .

Speakers

Matt Hendrick

Trainer, Spruce Environmental Technologies

Sunday September 8, 2019 8:00am - 5:00pm PDT
Mt. Princeton 3rd Floor

AARST-hosted C.E. Training

1:00pm PDT

Radon Fans

Instructor: Spruce Environmental Technologies
4 Hour: 4 Cat I CEU
$120.00 This ia an additional Registration Fee REGISTER
Choosing the right fan is one of the toughest decisions mitigators face. Questions frequently arise as mitigators try to make that decision in the field. This course demystifies the variety of fans available, taking the guesswork out of the decision making process by giving mitigators tools to make the best fan choice, and answers those FAQ’s. This course is based on reducing radon, minimizing energy penalties and properly sizing a fan for any system design that requires a fan.

Speakers

Matt Hendrick

Trainer, Spruce Environmental Technologies

Sunday September 8, 2019 1:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Mt. Oxford 3rd Floor

AARST-hosted C.E. Training

1:00pm PDT

Understanding Radon Testing Quality Assurance

Instructor: Spruce Environmental Technologies
4 Hours: 4 Cat I CEU
$120.00 This ia an additional Registration Fee REGISTER

This course will illustrate:

Equipment and required QA and maintenance for each type
Calibration: when is it needed, WHY is it important, what it is
The difference between performance testing and spiking, what is required of the tester
How to troubleshoot performance testing and spike results that are unexpected
Understanding the most common errors that are made by testers
Understanding uncertainty
Understanding calibration and correction factors
Understanding percent error
Understanding EPA average v overall, why the difference matters
Understanding the nature of radioactive decay and its implications for radon testing
Group discussions for sharing solutions to problems testers encounter
A review of the most frequently asked questions I receive
To address the most common misunderstandings and misconceptions regarding strategy for testing and QA

Speakers

Rebecca Turek

Bowser-Morner, Inc.

Rebecca Turek serves as the manager of the Radon Reference Laboratory at Bowser-Morner where she is responsible for day-to-day operations of the lab, including calibration of radon measurement devices and quality assurance testing. Rebecca graduated from Syracuse University where... Read More →

Sunday September 8, 2019 1:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Mt. Harvard 3rd Floor

AARST-hosted C.E. Training

6:00pm PDT

Opening Reception

Sunday September 8, 2019 6:00pm - 8:00pm PDT
Aspen Ballroom 2nd floor

Trade Show, Social Event

8:00am PDT

Welcome

Speakers

David Daniels

Radon Specialists of WI

Married with five children. Air Force Veteran. Started business in 2000. With offices in Neenah and Menomonee Falls WI. Installed over 21,000 systems and 18,000 tests. Board member for 4 members. VP for one year and acting President for the last year. Currently install for 20 different... Read More →

Chrystine Kelley

Environmental Protection Specialist, Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment

Chrystine Kelley has been an Environmental Protection Specialist with the Colorado DPH & E, Hazardous Materials and Waste Management Division for the past 26 years. Serving as Colorado’s Radon Program Manager for 14 years, she also serves on the Executive Stakeholders Committee... Read More →

Monday September 9, 2019 8:00am - 8:05am PDT
Colorado Ballroom 2nd Floor

General Session

8:05am PDT

Radon Policy Briefing - Colorado Legislature

Speakers

Dafna Michaelson Jenet, CO House of Representatives

CO House of Representatives

Monday September 9, 2019 8:05am - 8:20am PDT
Colorado Ballroom 2nd Floor

General Session, Practice and Policy

8:20am PDT

Radon: A Look Back and a Look Forward

This presentation provides an overview of the long history of radon, moving from its historical identification as a cause of lung cancer, to epidemiological studies and models to quantify its risk, to efforts to control its public health impact. Many controversies have occurred across radon’s history, some now resolved as the scientific foundation for radon control became more certain. This presentation ends with a look forward to the future of controlling radon’s risks.

Speakers

Jonathan Samet, MD, MS

This year’s symposium keynote speaker is Jonathan Samet, M.D., M.S. Dean and Professor of the Colorado School of Public Health, a pulmonary physician and epidemiologist. His professional research has focused on the health risks of inhaled pollutants—particles and ozone in outdoor... Read More →

Monday September 9, 2019 8:20am - 9:00am PDT
Colorado Ballroom 2nd Floor

General Session, Practice and Policy

9:00am PDT

Policy Update from HUD's Office of Multifamily Housing

Speakers

Sara Jensen

HUD

Monday September 9, 2019 9:00am - 9:25am PDT
Colorado Ballroom 2nd Floor

General Session, Practice and Policy

9:25am PDT

Radon Locally and Globally

Speakers

Richelle Tolton

Richelle Tolton currently serves in the Radiation Protection Unit at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) where her work includes projects on radon and radioactivity in food and drinking water in non-emergency situations. Most recently before joining the IAEA, she was the... Read More →

Monday September 9, 2019 9:25am - 9:45am PDT
Colorado Ballroom 2nd Floor

General Session, Practice and Policy

9:45am PDT

Q&A

Monday September 9, 2019 9:45am - 10:00am PDT
Colorado Ballroom 2nd Floor

General Session

10:00am PDT

Assessing Radon Exposure Using Spatial Analysis, and its Role in the National Radon Program

The National Radon Program (NRP) in Canada has been focusing on national strategies to increase homeowner participation in testing and mitigation, as well as providing support and resources for interested stakeholders. Using the extensive indoor radon survey data, the NRP is now using GIS mapping capability to identify geographic regions with higher radon levels, and identifying vulnerable populations which reside in these regions, to focus future resources and strategies to reduce radon exposure. Spatial analysis was completed using a multi-criteria approach with inputs of indoor radon measurements, bedrock geology, surficial geology, and airborne gamma-ray spectroscopy. Future works include using population statistics and characteristics to identify different demographics for policy or program targetting.

Speakers

Colin Gutcher

Colin Gutcher, M.Env.Sc. graduated from University of Toronto with a masters in environmental science, and currently works for the National Radon Program (NRP) at Health Canada as the residentspatial analyst. He has updated the NRP’s GIS capabilities and models from the ground up... Read More →

Monday September 9, 2019 10:00am - 10:45am PDT
Colorado Foyer 2nd Floor

Posters, Science and Research

10:00am PDT

Break and Exhibits

Take a break! Visit the exhibit hall, and all the vendors!

Monday September 9, 2019 10:00am - 10:45am PDT
Aspen Ballroom 2nd floor

Trade Show, Social Event

10:45am PDT

Radon Induced Lung Cancer: Survivors' Stories

Speakers

Rachael Drazen Malmberg

Jan Poulsen

I am from Salt Lake City, though I was born in Denver. I am married, have two adult daughters, and am currently retired. I was diagnosed with radon induced Stage 3A lung cancer in 2007. I am an event planner and advocate for LUNGevity, and a proud member of the Utah Radon Coalition... Read More →

Jackie Nixon

Pennsylvania Representative, Citizens for Radioactive Radon Reduction

On September 9, 2016, I had Lobectomy Surgery for Lung Cancer. Due to early detection I am 100%; no Chemo, Radiation and no Medication. Since then, I became the Citizens for Radio Active Radon Reduction (CRRR) Pennsylvania State Representative. PA is the 2nd largest state in the... Read More →

Monday September 9, 2019 10:45am - 11:20am PDT
Colorado Ballroom 2nd Floor

General Session, Practice and Policy

11:20am PDT

Mitigator-Builder Partnerships

Successful RRNC collaborations with builders yield opportunities for radon mitigation professionals.

Speakers

David Smith

David Smith Radon

David Smith Radon Remedies started working with builders to provide radon resistant new construction in 1999. His company has since performed more than 10,000 mitigations. His work with builders has procured two EPA grants to study new construction radon mitigation techniques... Read More →

David Daniels

Radon Specialists of WI

Dan Hylland

Dan Hylland joined the Minnesota Department of Health after 12 years of owning and operating a radon business in southeastern Minnesota. He has tested and mitigated thousands of structures including homes, multifamily buildings, and schools. He entered the radon industry after... Read More →

Monday September 9, 2019 11:20am - 11:50am PDT
Colorado Ballroom 2nd Floor

General Session, Practice and Policy

11:50am PDT

Q&A

Monday September 9, 2019 11:50am - 12:00pm PDT
Colorado Ballroom 2nd Floor

General Session, Social Event

12:00pm PDT

LUNCH Joint Leadership Update

EPA Update, AARST Update, CRCPD Update, Radon Hero Awards

Monday September 9, 2019 12:00pm - 1:30pm PDT
Colorado Ballroom 2nd Floor

Lunch, Social Event

1:30pm PDT

Houses from Heck

Research Scientist | Indoor Air Unit from the Minnesota Department of Health, Joshua Kerber, MS presents numerous challenging mitigations and their solutions. This is NOT your typical Houses from Heck session, attendees participate as well!

Speakers

Joshua Kerber

MN Dept. of Health

Josh Kerber is an Environmental Research Scientist for the Minnesota DOH. Working in radon since 2002 he has worked on the implementation of the Minnesota Radon Awareness Act and the Minnesota Radon Licensing Act. He assists Minnesota contractors with radon and vapor intrusion mitigation... Read More →

Monday September 9, 2019 1:30pm - 2:30pm PDT
Colorado Ballroom 2nd Floor

General Session, Practice and Policy

2:30pm PDT

Preliminary Results from the Multifamily Testing Protocol Study

Speakers

Mike Kitto

NY State Health Dept.

Monday September 9, 2019 2:30pm - 2:45pm PDT
Colorado Ballroom 2nd Floor

General Session, Practice and Policy

2:45pm PDT

Building National Radon Database Progress Report

Speakers

Michele Monti

CDC

Michele Monti epidemiologist at CDC's National Center for Environmental Health, Environmental Health Tracking Section, is responsible for national surveillance of contaminants related to chronic disease such as drinking water, pesticides, radon. She has a Master of Public Health from... Read More →

Eric Brown

CDPHE Environmental Data Coordinator, Environmental Information Management Unit

Eric Brown is a Physical Science Researcher and Data Analyst with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. Mr. Brown has been with the Colorado Environmental Public Health Tracking Program and Environmental Information Management Unit for five years. Mr. Brown has... Read More →

Monday September 9, 2019 2:45pm - 3:00pm PDT
Colorado Ballroom 2nd Floor

General Session, Practice and Policy

3:00pm PDT

Q&A

Monday September 9, 2019 3:00pm - 3:15pm PDT
Colorado Ballroom 2nd Floor

General Session

3:15pm PDT

Consortium Standards Collaboration on Radon with the International Standards Organization – An Update

The inclusion of Consortium Standards committee members (representing ANSI and USEPA) in ISO Technical Committee 85 / Working Group 17 (tasked with developing standards pertaining to nuclear energy, nuclear technology, radiological protection and radioactivity measurement), and the opportunity provided to impart a North American perspective to international radon standards will be presented.
Among the many radiological topics of focus for WG 17 is the revision and development of a 10-part series of standards pertaining to radon. These include: an informative on radon; protocols for various measurement methods; protocols on related diagnostic methods; measurement of ground surface
and building materials exhalation (emanation) rate; and radon measurements in buildings. The authors
will provide an overview and summary of the various standards, and a more detailed discussion of the first standard they collaborated on for submitting revisions being considered for , “ISO 11665-8: Methodologies for Initial and Additional Investigations in Buildings.”

Speakers

Michael LaFontaine

Consulting Physicist, Physics Solutions

Michael LaFontaine is federally licensed Professional Physicist with over 30 years experience in the radon industry, serves on AARST's MS-QA, Measurement, Technical & Scientific, and Standards Assistance Committees; is Co-chair of Health Canada’s - CGSB Working Group 1 Committee... Read More →

Monday September 9, 2019 3:15pm - 4:00pm PDT
Colorado Foyer 2nd Floor

Posters, Science and Research

3:15pm PDT

Break and Exhibits

Take a break! Visit the exhibit hall, and all the vendors!

Monday September 9, 2019 3:15pm - 4:00pm PDT
Aspen Ballroom 2nd floor

Trade Show, Social Event

4:00pm PDT

NRPP Compliance Solutions

Speakers

Jane Malone

AARST

I work for AARST as Interim Executive Director (May-November 2022) and National Policy Director (2015 to present).

Monday September 9, 2019 4:00pm - 4:20pm PDT
Colorado Ballroom 2nd Floor

General Session, Practice and Policy

4:20pm PDT

Radon Protection for Renters

More attention is needed for radon protection for renters. The Illinois Legislature considered but did not pass a law. In this session we'll hear about the partnerships and conversations that will continue to pursue such policy.

Speakers

Dan Potter

President, DuPage Radon

A principal on the management team of one of the larger mitigators in the U.S., with extensive personal business and home services background. Currently also Treasurer of AARST, Executive Committee Member, Board of Director Member, on several other committees and V.P. of Midwest AARST... Read More →

Monday September 9, 2019 4:20pm - 4:35pm PDT
Colorado Ballroom 2nd Floor

General Session, Practice and Policy

4:35pm PDT

Two Truths and One Lie - 800 Line Phone Calls from IL, IA and IN

Speakers

Angela Tin

American Lung Association

Angela Tin is an Environmental and Regulatory Compliance professional with a Bachelor’s Degree in Physiology and a Master’s Degree in Cell Biology. She worked for 20 years for the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, in managerial and policy levels in the Bureaus of Air... Read More →

Monday September 9, 2019 4:35pm - 4:50pm PDT
Colorado Ballroom 2nd Floor

General Session, Practice and Policy

4:50pm PDT

Q&A

Monday September 9, 2019 4:50pm - 5:00pm PDT
Colorado Ballroom 2nd Floor

General Session

5:30pm PDT

Ladies Cocktail Hour

Monday September 9, 2019 5:30pm - 6:30pm PDT
Mt Sopris Prefunction & Fireside Bar 1st Floor

Social, Social Event

8:00am PDT

Radon in Building Codes Progress Report

Updates regarding ANSI-AARST CCAH and ANSI-AARST RRNC standards, as well as the International Code Council deliberations about language in the International Residential Code's Appendix F.

Speakers

David Kapturowski

Spruce Environmental Technologies, Inc.

Dave Kapturowski is Vice President & Co-Founder of Spruce Environmental Technologies, Inc. Dave has nearly 30 years’ experience in radon mitigation and testing. He designed the majority of RadonAway fan products and oversaw manufacturing operations. He was also responsible for ra... Read More →

Tuesday September 10, 2019 8:00am - 8:20am PDT
Colorado Ballroom 2nd Floor

Practice and Policy

8:00am PDT

Radon in Canada – Protecting Canadians in Their Indoor Environment

The Canadian landscape is prone to high radon levels due to our weather, geology and tight building
envelopes. In 2007 Health Canada reduced our radon guidance level, which sparked the initiation of a
new industry focused on providing radon services. Since that time, the radon industry in Canada has
had to learn, grow and adapt in order to develop an approach to successfully manage radon in our
buildings.

This presentation will touch on unique aspects of the Canadian radon industry including techniques
for radon mitigation in new construction and existing buildings and a comprehensive training and
certification program to support those initiatives.

In addition we have also taken a unique approach to engaging with the Real Estate community which we
all know is a valuable opportunity for information transfer with homeowners. With respect to the
workforce, an ever increasing interest in the protection of occupants from radon in commercial,
industrial and institutional buildings will also be addressed.

Speakers

Pam Warkentin

CARST

A founding member of CARST and a C-NRPP certified measurement professional, Pam Warkentin is the Executive Director of both CARST and C-NRPP, and Project Manager of the Take Action on Radon (TAOR) Program. Pam works closely with the CARST Board of Directors, the C-NRPP Policy Advisory... Read More →

Tuesday September 10, 2019 8:00am - 8:20am PDT
Mt. Sopris

Science and Research

8:00am PDT

Marketing your Business

Exhibitors

Dee Goldstein

GEM Marketing

Tuesday September 10, 2019 8:00am - 8:30am PDT
Maroon Peak 2nd Floor

Vendor Learning Labs, Practice and Policy

8:20am PDT

Sunrise Process

The state of Colorado is reviewing options for regulation of radon services. Rocky Mountain AARST Chapter's lobbyist will discuss the process and results.

Moderators

Crystal Lytle

Radon Sales Manager, Fantech

Speakers

Jay Hicks

Jay Hicks- Principal Lobbyist, has over a decade of experience lobbying the Colorado General Assembly, maintaining key bi-partisan relationships with House and Senate Leadership. He focuses on; business operations/insurance/regulation, transportation, construction, information technology... Read More →

Tuesday September 10, 2019 8:20am - 8:40am PDT
Colorado Ballroom 2nd Floor

Practice and Policy

8:20am PDT

Diagnostics Before and After Radon Mitigation

Diagnostic methods before and after radon mitigation were evaluated. Prior to radon mitigation by active soil depressurization most mitigation installers guess which radon fan would be the most appropriate to use. Diagnostics to determine this has long been advised but rarely performed. The author presents a practical approach to sizing the radon fan and piping during the system installation using a variable speed EC fan and a digital micro-manometer. After the radon mitigation is installed and post radon measurements reveal the radon levels are still above the target radon levels,most radon mitigation contractors guess what steps are necessary to reduce the radon to acceptable levels rather than perform additional diagnostics. The use of digital micro-manometers to test for complete sub-slab depressurization has been well documented. The use of radon sniffers and fast response radon monitors to locate radon sources has not been documented. The author tested several radon sniffers that are available and the use of fast response radon detectors to determine their response time and relative accuracy.

Speakers

William Brodhead

President of WPB Enterprises, Inc.

Bill Brodhead has been installing radon and vapor intrusion systems in residential, commercialand school buildings since 1984 and the radon mitigation instructor at Rutgers University for 25 years.Bill has authored 17 research papers at AARST conferences. His papers are available... Read More →

Tuesday September 10, 2019 8:20am - 8:40am PDT
Mt. Sopris

Science and Research

8:30am PDT

Better Data, Better Programs

Radonova/Alpha Energy Labs learning Lab: Accredited laboratories to discuss improvements to measurement specialist, mitigation contractor, and state testing programs. Many factors result in quality data, accurate tests, and participation – come hear what they have seen become successful.

Exhibitors

Owen Reese

Alpha Energy Laboratories, Inc.

Daniel Roak

Radonova

Tuesday September 10, 2019 8:30am - 9:00am PDT
Maroon Peak 2nd Floor

Vendor Learning Labs

8:40am PDT

Case Study: Ft. Collins Consequences of Improper Testing During a Real Estate Transaction, Difficult-to-Mitigate House

Indoor air radon mitigation of difficult-to-mitigate houses can provide several challenges, especially during a real estate transaction. A mitigation of such a residence was shown not to reduce the radon concentration. Esthetics became an important factor in finding an acceptable solution for the large open living room with underground heating and return ducts. Several proposed solutions will be discussed. The combined costs for all attempted solutions by others and our final solution were larger than normal. Measurements showed that the most cost-effective method using RDP considerations could be used but was not desirable. A long auger ground bore method combined with a multi-fan ASD technique was eventually used to solve the problem. Costs were eventually recovered from the original mitigator, seller, and both realtors due to evidence of improper mitigation and testing during the real estate transaction. This example should encourage mitigation and testing companies to follow protocols.

Speakers

Leo Moorman

President/Owner, Radon Hom Measurement and Mitigation, Inc.

Tuesday September 10, 2019 8:40am - 8:55am PDT
Mt. Sopris

Science and Research

8:40am PDT

Business Management: A Panel Discussion

Get the best free advice on business issues facing professionals in this engaging conversation with experienced pros from around the country. Are you losing money? Are you considering all your expenses in how you price your services? Come find out - Q&A is ENCOURAGED!!

Moderators

Tony McDonald

VP of Operations, A-Z Solutions, Inc.

Tony McDonald has 30 years of experience in the radon testing, designing and mitigation field. He has successfully mitigated thousands of homes and commercial buildings. Tony serves as VP of Operations and acts as Senior Project Manager for the companies’ commercial division. Tony’s... Read More →

Speakers

Terry Kerwin

Director of Market Development, Protect Environmental

I am the former owner of Reliant Radon Solutions, LLC which serves the Colorado Front Range. Beginning in a new role at Protect Environmental after a recent acquisition, I'm looking forward to furthering my outreach about the dangers of radon.

Shad Evans

Radon Be Gone

Andy Kelley

Radon Solutions

Tuesday September 10, 2019 8:40am - 9:30am PDT
Colorado Ballroom 2nd Floor

Practice and Policy

9:00am PDT

Accuracy and Precision in Measurement of Radon in Water by Liquid Scintillation Counting

Accuracy and precision, the two important quality assurance milestones, are difficult to ascertain in measurement of radon in water because radon is a gas. This paper discusses the experience of various exercises performed in our laboratory to ascertain these two milestones. The counting efficiencies of multiple liquid radium standards purchased from a commercial vendor produced inconsistent and unacceptable counting efficiencies; thus, their use in the analysis of radon appeared questionable. Duplicate analysis of radon in 231 well water samples mostly yielded relative percentage deviation (RPD) ≤15% and seldom >15%. However, >15% RPD was mostly associated with the presence of an air bubble in one of the duplicate samples or presence of unequal sized air bubbles in both. Repeated analyses of two radon proficiency-test samples, regenerated at 40 to 60-day intervals over a period of three years, consistently yielded acceptable precision and accuracy. Thus, a proficiency testing for radon in water is a valid and valuable option and should be part of radon analysis in water.

Speakers

Uttam Saha

706-542-7690

Dr. Uttam Saha, Senior Public Service Associate, equivalent to a Full Professor, under University of Georgia directs the drinking water testing education program of the University of Georgia Extension Service. He is the Chair of the Drinking Water and Human Health Community of Practice... Read More →

Tuesday September 10, 2019 9:00am - 9:30am PDT
Mt. Sopris

Science and Research

9:00am PDT

Sun Nuclear Learning Lab

Exhibitors

Kai Wundke

Sun Nuclear Corp

Tuesday September 10, 2019 9:00am - 9:30am PDT
Maroon Peak 2nd Floor

Vendor Learning Labs, Practice and Policy

9:30am PDT

Mitigation of Radon in Well Water

Radon is responsible for thousands of lung cancer deaths every year. Radon in water is a serious contributor to these deaths. Airwell is a new technology mitigation system for radon in well water. It is the only system on the marketplace that mitigates the radon by using the water column in the well as the aeration chamber . It reduces Radon levels by 92-99%. It is a virtually maintenance free low voltage
system that uses the same amount of power as a 60W light bulb and requires no re-pressurization of your water system. The health impacts of radon in well/groundwater are serious and awareness is growing across the US, where according to the EPA there are an estimated 15 million wells. Recent examples of
wells that have been mitigated using this new technology will also be presented from a number of Provinces and States.

Speakers

David Innes

Director of Sales, Radon Environmental Management Corp

David Innes has spent most of his career in construction and construction related industries. He is Director of Sales for Radon Environmental Management Corp. and a C-NRPP-certified professional in both the measurement and mitigation of radon. He provides the CE training for the CHBA-BC... Read More →

Tuesday September 10, 2019 9:30am - 9:45am PDT
Colorado Foyer 2nd Floor

Posters, Science and Research

9:30am PDT

Break and Exhibits

Tuesday September 10, 2019 9:30am - 10:15am PDT
Aspen Ballroom 2nd floor

Trade Show, Social Event

10:15am PDT

Transforming Public Health Systems to Integrate Radon and Tobacco Control

We describe a novel project to increase capacity for coordinated lung cancer prevention by integrating public health systems for radon and tobacco risk reduction. Kentucky leads the nation in lung cancer incidence and mortality. Members of a state collaborative comprised of the BREATHE team at the University of Kentucky, the Kentucky Geological Survey, and the state health department’s radon and tobacco control programs presented a series of interactive presentations with public health professionals to brainstorm ways to promote collaboration and break down traditional silos. We provided basic radon and tobacco smoke education and summarized existing programs, projects, and activities led by each organization. Ideas for integrating radon and tobacco control included launching an ad campaign on synergistic risk, partnering with schools to reach parents and youth, adding school health screening questions on radon and tobacco smoke exposure, and connecting existing coalitions with radon and tobacco resources for testing and remediation.

Speakers

Clay Hardwick

Kentucky Dept. for Public Health

Clay Hardwick - is the State Radon Program Coordinator within the Kentucky Department forPublic Health. He works to grow state radon coalition partnerships toward radon contractorcertification and development of measurement and mitigation protocols. In 2017 - 2018, he served as a... Read More →

Tuesday September 10, 2019 10:15am - 10:35am PDT
Mt. Sopris

Science and Research

10:15am PDT

The Science Behind Your Device

How does your device actually measure radon? This session will be an overview of each device type, how it works, what type of radiation is measured, environmental factors that influence results and quality assurance requirements.

Speakers

Jill Newton

Spruce Environmental Technologies

Jill Newton is the Radiological Engineer for Spruce Environmental Technologies. She received her Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Sciences from the University of Michigan. After graduating, she worked for a nuclear engineering consulting company where she... Read More →

Tuesday September 10, 2019 10:15am - 11:00am PDT
Colorado Ballroom 2nd Floor

Practice and Policy

10:30am PDT

Radon Environmental Corp, New Technology for Mitigating Radon in Water

Exhibitors

David Innes

Director of Sales, Radon Environmental Management Corp

Tuesday September 10, 2019 10:30am - 11:00am PDT
Maroon Peak 2nd Floor

Vendor Learning Labs, Practice and Policy

10:35am PDT

Youth as Citizen Scientists to Promote Home Radon Testing in Appalachia

We will describe a citizen science project to empower high school students to promote radon testing and mitigation in rural Appalachia. We adapted a radon toolkit to educate youth citizen scientists. Classroom training included: (1) human subjects training; (2) health effects of radon; (3) instructions for deploying the test kits; and (4) considerations for report back. Youth citizen scientists explained the study to their parents and obtained informed consent. If radon levels were high, the youth citizen scientists discussed options with their parents, in consultation with the academic team. For homeowners who chose to mitigate, we provided a $1,000 voucher. We validated the home radon toolkit using in situ soil radon gas measurements, and evaluated the usability and feasibility of the toolkit for radon sampling with high school students and their families. We will share results and benefits of the citizen science approach to radon risk reduction in rural Appalachia.

This project is funded by an Administrative Supplement to UK-CARES, an Environmental Health Science Core Center funded by NIEHS (3P30ES026529-02S1)

Speakers

Mary Kay Rayens, PhD

University of Kentucky College of Nursing

I am Professor and biostatistician at the University of Kentucky College of Nursing and College of Public Health. I serve as the Co-Director of BREATHE (Bridging Research Efforts and Advocacy Toward Healthy Environments) and have collaborated a variety of community-based research... Read More →

Tuesday September 10, 2019 10:35am - 11:00am PDT
Mt. Sopris

Science and Research

11:00am PDT

Highly Sensitive Passive Detectors for Short-Term Pre- and Post- Mitigation Measurements

In practice it is required to evaluate the achieved radon reduction, preferably shortly after the mitigation installation is activated. As instantaneous measurements are affected by short term radon variations, few days pre- and post-mitigation integrated measurements of sufficient sensitivity might be preferred. Within the European MetroRADON project novel detectors of sufficient sensitivity for that purpose were developed. They are based on using DVDs of low intrinsic background as track detectors, covered with Makrofol N foils. The absorption of radon by Makrofol N is very high (concentration ratio foil/air is > 100). The Makrofol N foil serves as radon absorber/radiator that greatly amplifies the signal (net track-density at etched DVDs). The achievable sensitivity is < 20 Bq m-3 for a one week exposure. The detectors are cheap and usable for measurements at many points in large buildings. A design not affected by thoron presence and temperature variations is described and discussed.

Speakers

Prof. Dobromir Pressyanov

Professor, Faculty of Physics, Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski"

Professor Dobromir Pressyanov, PhD, DSc is a health physicist, active in research and innovation in radon and thoron measurements in the industry and environment. He organizes radon and thoron measurements, provides consultancy on mitigation, educates students and practitioners... Read More →

Tuesday September 10, 2019 11:00am - 11:20am PDT
Mt. Sopris

Science and Research

11:00am PDT

Fantech: HERO

Exhibitors

Bruno Poitras

Fantech

Tuesday September 10, 2019 11:00am - 11:30am PDT
Maroon Peak 2nd Floor

Vendor Learning Labs, Practice and Policy

11:00am PDT

HUD Policy Meets the Field: Round Table

Discussion about how HUD multifamily policy is being implemented in the field by environmental consulting firms, radon professionals, and lenders - including problems and solutions.

Speakers

Sara Jensen

HUD

Kyle Hoylman

CEO, Protect Environmental

Kyle Hoylman has worked on more than 2,500 radon and VI projects over the past 10 years. He serves on the EPA Vapor Intrusion Science Advisory Committee, EPA Federal Radon Leadership Committee, and the AARST Consortium developing ANSI radon standards. Kyle also serves on the board... Read More →

Tuesday September 10, 2019 11:00am - 11:45am PDT
Colorado Ballroom 2nd Floor

Practice and Policy

11:20am PDT

Wisconsin Fish Hatchery and Occupational Radon Exposure

In 2012 the oldest fish hatchery in the state of Wisconsin tested for radon and found levels over 200 pCi/L. This presentation walks through the strategy used to discover where the radon was coming from (the groundwater) and how it was eventually mitigated. Water is not usually a significant source of radon in the air but it can be in certain environments. Discussion will provide the testing processes used, how worker exposure was reduced until mitigation was resolved over the course of 3-4 years, and the impact this case has had on other similar environments.
*potential co-presenter: Mike Aquino, Fish Hatchery Manager, WI DNR

Speakers

Jessica Maloney

Jessica Maloney is the indoor air and radon program manager for the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.

Tuesday September 10, 2019 11:20am - 12:00pm PDT
Mt. Sopris

Science and Research

11:30am PDT

Demonstrating the CT007-R Radon Sniffer: Environmental Instruments Canada

Speakers

Kai Kaletsch

Environmental Instruments Canada

Tuesday September 10, 2019 11:30am - 12:00pm PDT
Maroon Peak 2nd Floor

Vendor Learning Labs, Practice and Policy

11:45am PDT

Radon from the Consultant's Perspective

The environmental consultant's perspective on radon testing, follow-up testing, and mitigation of multifamily properties, large buildings and schools, and/or various niche buildings such as daycares and student housing facilities:

Clients (banks, investors, developers, and various financial institutions), the demand for testing, and the trends over the last five years.
Driving forces behind clients' requesting radon reports.
Factors such as local legislation, real estate transaction disclosure laws, landlord radon responsibility, and liability lawsuits in general impacting the industry.

Speakers

Shavaun Cotter

Partner Assessment Corporation

Ms. Shavaun Cotter works at Partner Assessment Corp. and currently serves as a Technical Director of Radon Services within the Industrial Hygiene Department. Ms. Cotter currently holds a NRPP Certification with an Advanced Certificate in Multifamily Measurement. Ms. Cotter has conducted... Read More →

Tuesday September 10, 2019 11:45am - 12:00pm PDT
Colorado Ballroom 2nd Floor

Practice and Policy

12:00pm PDT

Lunch - AARST Annual Business Meeting

Tuesday September 10, 2019 12:00pm - 1:30pm PDT
Colorado Ballroom 2nd Floor

Lunch, Social Event

1:30pm PDT

Seasonality, Weather Conditions and Indoor Short-Term Radon Measurements

There is a link between season of the year and indoor radon assessment, with higher readings in winter compared with summer. The purpose was to determine if temperature, precipitation and wind were predictive of observed home radon values, in addition to seasonality (i.e., 3-month intervals starting in January). We used data from 116 Kentucky counties over a 26-year period (1990-2015). A mixed model assessed the factors significantly associated with quarterly averaged log-transformed radon levels. We could not retain both temperature and season as predictors since they were associated, and wind measurements were only available for counties (8) with airports. In the full model with 116 counties, season was a significant predictor of radon levels but precipitation was not. In the 8-county wind model, season and wind were significant predictors of radon and precipitation was not. Both models indicated lower radon levels in Seasons 2/3 (April-Sept).

Speakers

Nicholas Conley

University of Kentucky College of Nursing

Nick Conley is the Project Coordinator for the University of Kentucky – College of Nursing’s BREATHE Radon Policy Division. Nick received both his Bachelor of Public Health and Master of Public Health from the University of Kentucky, where he concentrated in Environmental Hea... Read More →

Tuesday September 10, 2019 1:30pm - 1:50pm PDT
Mt. Sopris

Science and Research

1:30pm PDT

Communicating the ‘RADON MESSAGE’ is essential

Speakers

Gloria Linnertz

President, Citizens for Radioactive Radon Reduction

Since the death of my husband, Joe, in 2006, from Stage IV lung cancer likely caused by radon, I have devoted my life to the education of the danger of radioactive radon gas and methods to reduce the risk of the inhalation of these radioactive particles in homes, schools, and work... Read More →

Tuesday September 10, 2019 1:30pm - 2:00pm PDT
Maroon Peak 2nd Floor

Vendor Learning Labs

1:30pm PDT

Mitigation Tips and Tricks

Mitigation specialists, from three regions of the country, describe out-of-the-box methods not common in the industry, like:

How to retrieve historical weather data
Sealing a sump pit without a lid
How to get suction points on either side of a footing without pipe
and more!

Speakers

Chad Robinson

President, Building Performance Co.

Joshua Kerber

MN Dept. of Health

John Seidel

Owner, Radon Be Gone

John SeidelContinuing Education Instructor for Radon ProfessionalsOwner of Radon Be Gone Corp.Has taught radon constructions classes for over 5 years. John is nationally certified by NRPP, AARST and the EPA. He has installed over 3500 radon systems including new construction and... Read More →

Jesse Green

American Radon Mitigation

Jesse started American Radon Mitigation with his father in 2014. He loves the diagnostics and system design side of radon mitigation. His company specializes in getting radon levels as low as possible and aims to get levels below 1 pCi/L. He is a trainer for Kansas State University... Read More →

Tuesday September 10, 2019 1:30pm - 2:10pm PDT
Colorado Ballroom 2nd Floor

Practice and Policy

1:50pm PDT

Radon Decay Products: Particle Size Really Matters…or Does It?

Radon-induced lung cancer is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. with alpha radiation from radon decay products (RDPs) providing over 95% of the dose. The EPA originally followed an RDP action level of 0.02 working levels (codified in U.S. law) in their protocols through the early 1990s, but eventually shifted to radon gas measurements due to the industry’s focus on simplifying detection techniques. Unfortunately, radon gas levels can be a poor indicator of actual exposure and potential dose in environments with robust ventilation because equilibrium factors are greatly reduced due to increased RDP plate out. This presentation will evaluate published data related to “unattached” fraction and how dose is affected by varying particle size.

Speakers

Lisa Gregory

Lisa Gregory, MS, Ph.D. earned her Doctorate in Zoology from the University of Florida in 2002 and has published several peer reviewed papers in the field of stress physiology. Now a professional environmental consultant, Dr. Gregory has overseen multiple teams of scientists/engineers/technicians... Read More →

Tuesday September 10, 2019 1:50pm - 2:10pm PDT
Mt. Sopris

Science and Research

2:00pm PDT

A Tool for Accurate, Reusable and Cost Saving Pressure Field Testing

Vapor Pin Enterprises, Inc

Exhibitors

Laurie Chilcote

Vapor Pin, LLC

Laurie Chilcote serves as Director of Sales & Marketing for Cox-Colvin & Associates, Inc, and is Vice President of Vapor Pin Enterprises, Inc. and Vapor Pin do Brazil. In her role as Managing Director and Vice President of Vapor Pin Enterprises and Vapor Pin do Brazil, she provides... Read More →

Tuesday September 10, 2019 2:00pm - 2:30pm PDT
Maroon Peak 2nd Floor

Vendor Learning Labs, Practice and Policy

2:10pm PDT

Tennessee Radon Program Features Triple-project Approach to Expand Outreach

The TN Radon Program combined three fresh and innovative projects to attract new audiences while spreading the message regarding radon testing and mitigation of buildings. First, it hosted a teacher workshop in Knoxville to educate teachers about radon and assist them in developing curriculum–appropriate educational materials on radon for their classrooms. Second, the program promoted citizen science by supporting a Chattanooga school student with his senior project of testing his school for radon. Lastly,the program implemented a creative approach to NRAM with a new partnership with health facilities and gyms to promote radon testing as the new“resolution”in January. These activities combined for record outreach statistics and test kit requests for Tennessee.

Speakers

Jan Compton

State of TN

Tuesday September 10, 2019 2:10pm - 2:30pm PDT
Colorado Ballroom 2nd Floor

Practice and Policy

2:10pm PDT

Summary of the AARST Protocol for the Collection, Transfer and Measurement of Radon in Water

Speakers

Mike Kitto

NY State Health Dept.

Tuesday September 10, 2019 2:10pm - 2:40pm PDT
Mt. Sopris

Science and Research

2:30pm PDT

Case Studies: Certification Policy Changes in the Air

States' oversight of radon credentials is a central element of radon risk reduction. Kentucky recently revised its certification law; New York convened a task force to weigh the regulatory options; Virginia enacted a law to codify current requirement for NRSB or NRPP certification.

Speakers

Kyle Hoylman

CEO, Protect Environmental

Wally Dorsey

Radon-Ease, Inc

George Schambach

Professional Home Inspection

Tuesday September 10, 2019 2:30pm - 3:00pm PDT
Colorado Ballroom 2nd Floor

Practice and Policy

2:30pm PDT

Professional Discount Supply "See the KTA 150 System! The ORIGINAL LOW VOLTAGE"

Exhibitors

Brent Ulbert

Professional Discount Supply

Brent Ulbert joined PDS in 2017. Before entering the radon industry, Brent had a short but illustrious career in small business marketing. He oversaw the marketing campaigns of over 1,200 businesses during his tenure in Northern Colorado. Brent graduated with honors from the University... Read More →

Tuesday September 10, 2019 2:30pm - 3:00pm PDT
Maroon Peak 2nd Floor

Vendor Learning Labs, Practice and Policy

3:00pm PDT

Break and Exhibits

Tuesday September 10, 2019 3:00pm - 3:45pm PDT
Aspen Ballroom 2nd floor

Trade Show, Social Event

3:45pm PDT

REPEAT: Highly Sensitive Passive Detectors for Short-Term Pre- and Post- Mitigation Measurements

Speakers

Prof. Dobromir Pressyanov

Professor, Faculty of Physics, Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski"

Tuesday September 10, 2019 3:45pm - 4:00pm PDT
Mt. Sopris

Science and Research

3:45pm PDT

MS-QA Standard: The Final ANSI-AARST Publication

Attendees get a great discount for a copy purchased at the symposium!

Speakers

Melinda Ronca-Battista

Health Physicist, Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals, NAU

Melinda Ronca-Battista works for the Tribal Air Monitoring Support Center, providing software tools and online and workshop trainings for Tribal environmental monitoring programs across the US. She has worked for about 30 years in the environmental monitoring and radiation protection... Read More →

Tuesday September 10, 2019 3:45pm - 4:05pm PDT
Colorado Ballroom 2nd Floor

Practice and Policy

3:45pm PDT

TBA

Tuesday September 10, 2019 3:45pm - 4:05pm PDT
Mt. Sopris

Science and Research

4:00pm PDT

How to Choose the Right Products for Challenging Mitigations

Should I use this tool or that accessory for this radon system? Is there a new or better product on the market that will provide an even better solution? How to evaluate radon mitigation products, tools and accessories to achieve the best outcomes.

Exhibitors

Matt Hendrick

Trainer, Spruce Environmental Technologies

Rick Saulen

Spruce Environmental Technologies, Inc.

Rick Saulen has been with Spruce Environmental Technologies, Inc. for 25 years, initially installing radon mitigation systems and field testing RadonAway fans, AIRaider systems and other products and components for more than 18 years. A licensed and certified mitigator, plumber and... Read More →

Tuesday September 10, 2019 4:00pm - 4:30pm PDT
Maroon Peak 2nd Floor

Vendor Learning Labs, Practice and Policy

4:05pm PDT

The history of the discovery of radon gas

Speakers

Dr. Anne-Marie Nicol

Simon Fraser University

Dr. Anne-Marie Nicol is an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Health Science at Simon Fraser University in Canada.

Tuesday September 10, 2019 4:05pm - 4:25pm PDT
Colorado Ballroom 2nd Floor

Practice and Policy

4:05pm PDT

Correlating Radon Activity with Carbon Dioxide Concentration in an Iowa Cave

Reports of encountering “bad air” have occasionally resulted from humans entering cave passages with high levels of carbon dioxide. Humans breathing high concentrations of carbon dioxide will note obvious physiological impacts, ranging from breathlessness up to death at extreme values. Numerous caves have been shown to feature “bad air” in the form of high levels of radon gas, but instrumentation is required for this to be diagnosed. Although the sources that bring carbon dioxide and radon into the caves are different, it is plausible that poor ventilation of a cave’s interior is a contributing factor toward that cave having high levels of either gas. This study was set up to measure the levels of both gases simultaneously in an Iowa cave, and to evaluate how highly correlated these values are to one another.

Speakers

Lawrence Welch

Professor, Knox College

LAWRENCE E. WELCH holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Wisconsin at River Falls and a PhD from Iowa State University. He is in his 34th year of teaching at Knox College in Galesburg, IL, where he is the Clara A. Abbott Distinguished Professor of Chemistry.

Tuesday September 10, 2019 4:05pm - 4:25pm PDT
Mt. Sopris

Science and Research

4:25pm PDT

Not Your Standard Trivia Challenge (or is it)?

Speakers

Brent Ulbert

Professional Discount Supply

Matt Koch

Matt Koch has worked in the mitigation industry since 2008 performing mitigations in the Southeast in single family, multifamily and commercial buildings. He is a founding member of the SE AARST Chapter. Serving on national radon standards committees, he teaches NRPP certification... Read More →

Tuesday September 10, 2019 4:25pm - 5:00pm PDT
Colorado Ballroom 2nd Floor

Practice and Policy

4:25pm PDT

A Radon Extraction System Retrofit for High and Low Rise Multihousing

Concrete emits radon. Exterior curtain walls of porous concrete blocks have lots of surface area from which radon can emit. If the exterior of the blocks is sealed, radon emissions are released only to the interior and into the space between the drywall and blocks (exterior wall cavities). Such exterior and demising wall cavities may become radon reservoirs. It is not uncommon that air-condition duct leaks will drive or draw the radon-rich wall cavity air into the breathing zone. Air handler operation commonly “mines” radon from the exterior and demising wall cavities and injects it directly into the conditioned air airstream. A radon “extraction” system can continuously extract this radon-rich wall cavity air and exhaust it directly to the out of doors. Reducing the pressure in the wall cavities will inhibit radon migration into the breathing zone through unintentional openings in the drywall interior pressure envelope.

Speakers

Wayne Dean

President, SmartVentilation, Inc.

Wayne Dean, JD, SmartVentilation, Inc. A serious student of Building Science with plenty of curiosity. A tinkerer, inventor, fabricator, indoor air quality problem solver and manufacturer. US Patent US5101712A 7Sub-slab depressurization radon reduction method and apparatus. Currently... Read More →

Tuesday September 10, 2019 4:25pm - 5:00pm PDT
Mt. Sopris

Science and Research

4:30pm PDT

What Doesn't Kansas State and MURC Provide Regarding Radon? Come Find Out!

Exhibitors

Bruce Snead

Director, National Radon Program Services - KSU

Tuesday September 10, 2019 4:30pm - 5:00pm PDT
Maroon Peak 2nd Floor

Vendor Learning Labs, Practice and Policy

6:00pm PDT

NIGHT OUT PARTY at the Wynkoop Brewery

Tuesday September 10, 2019 6:00pm - 9:00pm PDT
Wynkoop Brewery

Social

8:00am PDT

One City's Story: Ft. Collins Much to do About Radon: A Local Initiative

The City of Fort Collins has long been a leader in the state of Colorado for radon programs and policies. Innovative programs and policies include Fort Collins being the first municipality in the state to require Radon Resistant New Construction in all new residential buildings and offering free test kits through the Healthy Homes Program. Due to the health risks associated with long-term exposure to high radon levels, Fort Collins City Council named radon a top air quality priority for 2018 and City staff was directed to do more. The purpose of this presentation is to highlight the innovative policy work Fort Collins has done to develop and leverage strategic partnerships in the community, and share lessons learned from the policy research and community-based efforts to decrease the risk of radon. These lessons are valuable to any municipality that is working towards developing or enhancing radon programs or policies.

Speakers

Megan DeMasters

Megan DeMasters completed a Ph.D. in Political Science from Colorado State University in 2017 where she focused on the management and implementation of environmental programs at the state and local levels of government. Megan currently works for the City of Fort Collins in the Sustainability... Read More →

Wednesday September 11, 2019 8:00am - 8:20am PDT
Colorado Ballroom 2nd Floor

Practice and Policy

8:00am PDT

Compartmentalized Radon Mitigation and IAQ Enhancement Fresh Air Retrofit in High and Low Rise Multihousing

Until recently, ventilation in multihousing has generally been by exhaust fan operation. The source of replacement (fresh) air was of little apparent concern. As a result, replacement (ventilation) air (often radon-rich) was sourced from building cavities of unknown location and contaminant levels, and through unknown and unconsidered pathways. A retrofit fresh air delivery alternative consists of a port bored from indoors through an exterior wall using a special boring rig, an easily removable ventilation/filtration module, and a controller sensing indoor temperature and relative humidity to control operation or speed control of the ventilation/filtration module, to maintain temperature and humidity comfort regardless of outdoor conditions. Multihousing dwellings are generally compartmentalized so fresh air delivery in such manner can provide a reliable source/quantity of suitable filtered fresh air to mitigate/maintain low radon, CO2 and particulate levels as well as increased oxygen within the unit’s breathing zone.

Speakers

Wayne Dean

President, SmartVentilation, Inc.

Wednesday September 11, 2019 8:00am - 8:20am PDT
Mt. Sopris

Science and Research

8:20am PDT

Targeted Community Radon Testing: Results and Impact on Mitigations Performed

After identification of Pennsylvania municipalities where previous radon test results had indicated that some significantly elevated concentrations could be expected among further tests, short-term activated-carbon radon test kits were provided in 31 selected municipalities to residents requesting them, yielding approximately 11,500 test results over a four-year period. This report describes that program, its scale and scope, findings of high results, sample means, distribution by level classes, and comparison by residence floor. The rates at which mitigations were carried out in test-program communities and in non-targeted neighboring control communities, comparing pre-testing and post-testing periods, with implications for positive impacts on measurable outcomes, are analyzed and discussed.

Speakers

Kevin Stewart

ALA of the Mid-Atlantic

Kevin Stewart is director of environmental health for advocacy and public policy for the American Lung Association. He assists in the work of the NRAP leadership group and has managed radon grants under Pennsylvania DEP. He has served on the AARST Board of Directors, and on several... Read More →

Wednesday September 11, 2019 8:20am - 8:40am PDT
Mt. Sopris

Science and Research

8:20am PDT

Are You Nuts?

In his 35 plus years in the radon biz, Doug has seen a lot of weird things and in this presentation he gets to share some “R U Nutz" insights.

Speakers

Doug Kladder

CERTI

Doug has been in the industry as an investigator, contractor and instructor of all things radon since 1984. And not just in the U.S. but also Europe, Asia and the Pacific. But in his 35 plus years in the radon biz he has seen a lot of weird things and in this presentation he gets... Read More →

Wednesday September 11, 2019 8:20am - 9:00am PDT
Colorado Ballroom 2nd Floor

Practice and Policy

8:30am PDT

The Plug-and-Play radon Revolution is HERE!

Speakers

David Daniels

Radon Specialists of WI

Wednesday September 11, 2019 8:30am - 9:00am PDT
Maroon Peak 2nd Floor

Vendor Learning Labs, Practice and Policy

8:40am PDT

Diagnostics Before and After Radon Mitigation

In depth continuation from Tuesday AM session

Speakers

William Brodhead

President of WPB Enterprises, Inc.

Wednesday September 11, 2019 8:40am - 9:20am PDT
Mt. Sopris

Science and Research

9:00am PDT

School Testing Policy Progress – IA and IN

Moderators

Jane Malone

National Policy Director, AARST

Jane Malone joined the AARST staff in 2015 to help advance federal, state and local policies that will reduce radon risk. She has been involved with healthy homes policy advocacy for two decades, advising Congress, federal agencies, advocates and jurisdictions. Previously she led... Read More →

Speakers

Dawn Coffee

Your Environmental Services LLC

Gail Orcutt

CR3

Gail Orcutt was a special education and reading teacher in Iowa for 33 years. Upon retirement in 2008, she planned to generally enjoy life. Instead, during the spring of 2010, she was diagnosed with radon-induced lung cancer. Since then, she has been an advocate for increased radon... Read More →

Wednesday September 11, 2019 9:00am - 9:30am PDT
Colorado Ballroom 2nd Floor

Practice and Policy

9:00am PDT

RSSI: Sensitivity and Limits of Detection for Alpha Track Detectors

Sensitivity and Limits of Detection in Alpha Track Detectors

A description of how background and detector sensitivity affect minimum detectable exposure. Factors that affect background will be discussed and examples given from the real world. When do these factors matter?

Sponsors

Eli Port

RSSI

Wednesday September 11, 2019 9:00am - 9:30am PDT
Maroon Peak 2nd Floor

Vendor Learning Labs

9:30am PDT

Concentration of Radon Emitted from Interior Building Materials in Korea

This study was part of research to assess the health impacts of radon exposure in Korea and establish plans for mitigation. Radon emanation from interior building materials were evaluated; these have a significant effect on indoor radon concentration in residential environments and therefore, on indoor air quality.
The results of radon emanation from wall, ceiling, and floor materials were evaluated using in-situ measurement data from sealed rooms in 37 locations. The radon concentrations in indoor air in these spaces were obtained using E-perm devices. Measurements were taken over approximately two days. To exclude the effects of soil, only rooms on the fifth floor and above were included in the study.
The results of the study showed that the average radon emission rates from wall, ceiling, and floor materials were 25.7, 29.5, and 20.6 Bq/m3/day, respectively. The average radon concentration in indoor air was 145.5 Bq/m3.

Speakers

Prof. Cheol Min Lee

Wednesday September 11, 2019 9:30am - 10:15am PDT
Colorado Foyer 2nd Floor

Posters, Science and Research

9:30am PDT

Industry Collaboration with the Medical Community in Promoting Radon Awareness

Methods in communicating radon awareness to the medical community by industry are compared and contrasted. The responsibility of industry in promoting radon awareness to medical professionals is explored through direct action and support of non-profit advocacy groups. Current available resources are surveyed for general content and suitability for specific approaches . Inclusion of a single line item on patient intake regarding radon measurement , acceptance of radon literature for patient distribution, and willingness to read medical community specific radon publications serve as metrics for success of methods promoted.

Speakers

Gordon Satoh

President, Radon Action Services, LLC

Gordon Satoh received a Bachelor of Science from the University of Michigan, and a Master of Science from Texas A&M University. He is passionate about developing technologies for reduction of indoor air concentrations of radon. As an environmental scientist by training, he seeks methods... Read More →

ONE LINE POSTER pdf

2019 AARST IRS POSTER SATOH G 09 11 2019 pdf

Wednesday September 11, 2019 9:30am - 10:15am PDT
Colorado Foyer 2nd Floor

Posters, Science and Research

9:30am PDT

Breaks and Exhibits

Take a break! Visit the exhibit hall, and all the vendors!

Wednesday September 11, 2019 9:30am - 10:15am PDT
Aspen Ballroom 2nd floor

Trade Show, Social Event

10:15am PDT

OSHA Silica Safety

Understand how to meet OSHA Silica regulations as a radon mitigation professional.

Speakers

Mallory Neyens

OSHA - Denver Regional Offices

Herb Gibson is the Area Director for OSHA’s Denver Area Office. He has held numerous positions from Field Industrial Hygienist to Area Director in OSHA for the past 39 years. The Denver Area Office is responsible for enforcement of the OSH Act and providing compliance assistance... Read More →

Wednesday September 11, 2019 10:15am - 10:30am PDT
Colorado Ballroom 2nd Floor

Practice and Policy

10:15am PDT

Radon and Chemical Soil Gas/Vapor Intrusion – Update on Testing Associations

Speakers

Henry Schuver

Wednesday September 11, 2019 10:15am - 10:40am PDT
Mt. Sopris

Science and Research

10:30am PDT

Fantech: Pressure Field Extension Diagnostic Kit

Exhibitors

Hamid Massali

Fantech

Wednesday September 11, 2019 10:30am - 11:00am PDT
Maroon Peak 2nd Floor

Vendor Learning Labs, Practice and Policy

10:40am PDT

Radon and Chemical Vapor Legal and Liability Issues

Speakers

David Gillay

Barnes & Thornburg

Wednesday September 11, 2019 10:40am - 10:55am PDT
Mt. Sopris

Science and Research

11:00am PDT

Personal Protective Equipment for Radon Professionals

A focused review of personal protective equipment (PPE) and its use logistics for the radon mitigation professional, that also includes radon testers. The use of respirators for radon mitigators are reviewed, along with specific guidance. The presentation also covers hazard recognition for the radon professional, that includes some hazards, the radon professional may not be aware that are present at some job sites.

Speakers

Nate Burden

Consultant/Instructor

Wednesday September 11, 2019 11:00am - 11:20am PDT
Colorado Ballroom 2nd Floor

Practice and Policy

11:20am PDT

CLOSING GENERAL SESSION

Wednesday September 11, 2019 11:20am - 12:00pm PDT
Colorado Ballroom 2nd Floor

General Session