Indoor Environments Association Podcast

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Installing a vapor mitigation system may solve an immediate exposure problem—but what happens five, ten, or twenty years later?

In this episode of The Indoor Environments Project, host Diane Swecker talks with Jennifer Borski of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and Susan McKinley of the Indiana Department of Environmental Management about Operation, Maintenance and Monitoring (OM&M) and the long-term stewardship required to keep vapor mitigation systems protective over time.

Jennifer and Susan explore how Wisconsin and Indiana approach long-term responsibility differently, what happens when properties change owners or documentation disappears, and why a system that worked when it was installed may not remain protective without continued attention.

They also discuss the new ANSI/AARST OM&M standard, the role consensus standards can play within different state regulatory frameworks, documentation and inspection practices, remote monitoring and digital records, and what contractors can do today to make future stewardship easier.

Because when contamination remains, installation isn't the end of the story.

Guests: Jennifer Borski, Wisconsin DNR, and Susan McKinley, Indiana DEM
Host: Diane Swecker
Produced and edited by: Daisy Rezende

Support the show

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.

📬 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.

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A radon mitigation fan is running. The manometer shows pressure. The post-mitigation test came back low.

So, is the system good?

In this episode of The Indoor Environments Project, host Diane Swecker is joined by Bruce Snead, instructor for the NRPP Soil Gas Mitigation Compliance Inspector course, and Greg Johns, a professional home inspector and certified Soil Gas Mitigation Compliance Inspector, to look beyond whether a mitigation system simply appears to be working.

The conversation explores what professionals evaluate during a mitigation system inspection, common deficiencies found in the field, system labeling and monitoring, exhaust and moisture considerations, active versus passive systems, and the important distinction between radon reduction and standards compliance.

Bruce and Greg also discuss how specialized training and mitigation system inspections can support homeowners, home inspectors, mitigation contractors, state radon programs, and the continued improvement of the radon industry.

Earn 1 NRPP CE Credit

This episode is approved for 1 hour of NRPP continuing education credit for NRPP-certified professionals who are IEA members.

After listening, log in to your IEA account, visit Free Education and Exam Study Guides, click COURSES, and select this episode to complete the requirements for your CE credit.

Continue the conversation in Norfolk!

Join us October 4–7 for The Indoor Environments Symposium 2026 in Norfolk, Virginia. Learn more and register at IndoorEnvironments.org.

Guests: Bruce Snead and Greg Johns
Host: Diane Swecker
Producer: Daisy Rezende
Technical Support: Holly
Content Review: Myca Bruno and Duane

Support the show

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.

📬 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.

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What happens after the environmental report is delivered?

Consultants investigate. Engineers design. Contractors install. But ultimately, someone has to decide what happens next.

In this episode of The Indoor Environments Project, host Diane Swecker welcomes Mark Quimby, Vice President of Ashley Capital and former environmental consultant, for a conversation about vapor intrusion from a perspective rarely discussed—the property owner responsible for balancing environmental risk, redevelopment, business objectives, and long-term stewardship.

Drawing on nearly two decades of consulting experience before moving into commercial real estate development, Mark shares what he looks for when selecting environmental consultants and contractors, how technical recommendations influence business decisions, and why collaboration is essential to successful projects.

The conversation explores lessons learned from large redevelopment projects—including the historic Buick City redevelopment in Flint, Michigan—and highlights the importance of transparency, community engagement, and building trust throughout the environmental decision-making process.

In this episode:

•  Why environmental consultants are hired to support decisions—not just deliver reports 
•  How property owners evaluate vapor intrusion risks 
•  What distinguishes outstanding consultants and contractors 
•  The role of transparency, documentation, and "showing your work" 
•  Why professional organizations and peer networks matter 
•  Lessons from brownfield redevelopment and community engagement 
•  Why every building—and every project—deserves its own approach 

Whether you work in vapor intrusion, radon, environmental consulting, brownfield redevelopment, engineering, indoor air quality, or environmental regulation, this episode offers valuable insight into how successful projects are built through collaboration and informed decision-making.

About the Guest

Mark Quimby is Vice President of Ashley Capital, where he oversees environmental strategy for redevelopment projects across North America. Before joining Ashley Capital, Mark spent nearly twenty years as an environmental consultant specializing in vapor intrusion, remediation, and brownfield redevelopment. His unique experience on both sides of the table gives him valuable insight into what owners need from environmental professionals and how successful project teams are built.

Resources

•  Learn more about the Indoor Environments Association: https://IndoorEnvironments.org
•  Register for the Indoor Environments 2026 Symposium (October 4–7, Norfolk, VA) 
•  Follow The Indoor Environments Project on your favorite podcast platform. 

Support the show

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.

📬 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.

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Vapor intrusion mitigation is rarely straightforward.

In this episode of The Indoor Environments Project, host Diane Swecker is joined by Rachel Saari and Tony McDonald for an in-depth discussion on what happens when pilot testing, system design, standards, and real-world building conditions collide.

From pressure field extension and pilot testing methodology…
to flow versus vacuum…
to system overdesign, discharge considerations, and the realities of large-scale buildings…

this conversation explores the complexities professionals face when designing and implementing vapor intrusion mitigation systems in the field.

Topics discussed include:

• Why “pressure fields aren’t round” in real-world conditions
• The role of pilot testing in mitigation design
• Flow rates, vacuum, and common design misconceptions
• Pressure field extension and soil variability
• Translating data into actionable system design
• Challenges with large commercial and industrial buildings
• The importance of ANSI/AARST standards in VI work
• System overdesign and unnecessary complexity
• Vapor discharge considerations and long-term performance
• Why collaboration across disciplines matters in successful projects

Rachel and Tony also discuss the evolving relationship between vapor intrusion mitigation, standards development, and field application — including lessons learned from reviewing real-world pilot testing reports and mitigation designs.

Whether you work in vapor intrusion, radon mitigation, environmental consulting, engineering, regulation, or standards development, this episode offers valuable insight into how experienced professionals approach system-level decision-making in complex environments.

Guests:
Rachel Saari — Principal Engineer at Arcadis and technical expert leading the firm’s vapor intrusion mitigation community of practice

Tony McDonald — CEO of A-Z Solutions and leading voice in radon and vapor intrusion mitigation

Learn more about the Indoor Environments Association:
IndoorEnvironments.org

Listen to more episodes:
IndoorEnvironments.org/podcast

Support the show

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.

📬 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 Mail

Radon 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 Credit

This 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 Symposium

Want 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 Takeaway

Radon 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 Podcast

The 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 show

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.

📬 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 Mail

In 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.org

Support the show

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.

📬 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 Mail

Radon 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 risk

This 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 show

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.

📬 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 Mail

Artificial 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 work
• Chad Smith, NRPP-certified radon measurement and mitigation professional, owner of Monarch Radon Testing, and founder of RadonSketch, bringing deep field and diagnostics expertise

Together, they discuss:

• Where AI can genuinely support radon professionals
• How AI may help with QA/QC, documentation, and defensibility
• The risks, limitations, and ethical considerations of AI tools
• Why trust, standards, and human accountability remain central to public health

The episode closes with a reminder of why radon testing matters — and a short song to help make the message stick.

Support the show

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.

📬 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 Mail

In 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 standards

And 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 show

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.

📬 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 Mail

In 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 show

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.

📬 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.