Blog · Page 2 · UK Radon Association

Two members of the UK Radon Association travelled to Charleston, South Carolina in September for the International Radon Symposium 2014. The annual Symposium is organised by AARST (American Association for Radon Scientists and Technologists) and this year attracted record numbers of attendees from industry, State and Government organisations, NGOs, research institutions and cancer charities.

Martin Freeman, Chairman of the UK Radon Association had been invited to present his paper discussing the conflict between basement waterproofing techniques used in the UK and radon management. This paper is due to be published shortly and a link to download it will be added to the blog when available.

UK Radon Association Chairman, Martin Freeman, speaking at the International Radon Symposium

The Keynote address was given by Janet McCabe, Assistant Administrator for the EPA’s Office of Air and Radiation and was followed by an impassioned talk by Janice Nolen, Assistant Vice President of the American Lung Association about tackling the number of avoidable lung cancer cases caused by radon exposure each year. Both Ms McCabe and Ms Nolen were interested to hear about the UK Radon Association and extended their wishes of support to the organisation.

UKRA Chairman Martin Freeman & Secretary Rebecca Coates with Janice Nolen of American Lung Association (centre) — UK Radon Association Chairman Martin Freeman & Secretary Rebecca Coates with Janice Nolen of American Lung Association (centre)

Martin Freeman & Rebecca Coates with Janet McCabe of US EPA Office of Air and Radiation (centre)

The three-day conference featured a packed schedule of talks from international speakers covering everything from radon testing protocol in multi-family units (apartments) to policies for radon resistant new construction (RRNC), methods of risk communication with different stakeholders to frameworks for ensuring quality installations by radon professionals.

AARST were extremely welcoming and were keen to encourage more international links. Radon is a worldwide issue and there is much that can be learnt and shared globally.

Martin Freeman with AARST President Shawn Price (left) and former Vice President David Kapturowski — Martin Freeman with AARST President Shawn Price (right) and former Vice President David Kapturowski (centre)

The Symposium also saw CanSAR (Cancer Survivors Against Radon) participating in the #WhipLungCancer campaign. Following the global success of the ‘ice bucket challenge’ earlier in the year, various lung cancer charities joined together to promote this campaign, which sees volunteers receiving a whipped-cream pie to the face in exchange for donations from family & friends. Well done to all those involved, including AARST Executive Director Peter Hendrick!