When Vapor Intrusion Gets Complicated: Design, Testing, and What Really Matters

How Standards, Design, and Reality Collide in Vapor Intrusion Work

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2519426/fan_mail/new] 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 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2519426/support] 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 info@indoorevironments.org [info@indoorenvironments.org]! 💡 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 [https://indoorenvironments.org]. Because better air starts with better professionals.

Radon in Water: Understanding Sources, Exposure Pathways, Testing, and Mitigation

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2519426/fan_mail/new] 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 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2519426/support] 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 info@indoorevironments.org [info@indoorenvironments.org]! 💡 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 [https://indoorenvironments.org]. Because better air starts with better professionals.

When Vapor Intrusion Gets Complicated: Design, Testing, and What Really Matters

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2519426/fan_mail/new] 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 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2519426/support] 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 info@indoorevironments.org [info@indoorenvironments.org]! 💡 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 [https://indoorenvironments.org]. Because better air starts with better professionals.

Beyond the Snapshot: Radon as a Lifetime Risk

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2519426/fan_mail/new] 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 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2519426/support] 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 info@indoorevironments.org [info@indoorenvironments.org]! 💡 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 [https://indoorenvironments.org]. Because better air starts with better professionals.

AI in the Radon Industry: Tools, Trust, and the Role of Professionals

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2519426/fan_mail/new] 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 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2519426/support] 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 info@indoorevironments.org [info@indoorenvironments.org]! 💡 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 [https://indoorenvironments.org]. Because better air starts with better professionals.