The National Environmental Health Association
National Radon Proficiency Program
Announcement for Center for Environmental Research and
Technology - 05/26/00
We are announcing the formation of an effort within NEHA known as the
Center for Environmental Research and Technology (CERT). The purpose of this center within
NEHA will be three-fold:
- CERT will coordinate the development of reference texts in a variety of environmental
health areas such as hazardous waste, IAQ, lead in paint, and radon. Actually radon will
be one of its initial efforts. It has become very apparent that the development of key
texts for existing credentials and future credentials is critical for the growth of the
NEHA-NRPP program. These texts will form the basis for training providers to deliver
consistent programs around the country. It is envisioned that CERT will function in an
editorial and support role in the development of these texts with contributions from
selected experts in their fields of expertise. It is not envisioned that CERT will
deliver entry-level courses, but rather support qualified training providers by making
training materials available to them.
- CERT will strive to increase public awareness of environmental health issues through the
development of public outreach materials that can be utilized by qualified, NEHA certified
individuals (radon and other areas). A speaker’s bureau will be established and
train-the-speaker programs will be offered to qualify public outreach speakers. NEHA will
actively promote public outreach programs through CERT to cooperative partners, states,
and private organizations supported either by fees, grants or in-kind contributions. For
information on course and offerings please go to www.nehacert.org.
- CERT will conduct research in areas that are identified when key texts are developed or
identified by its certified members. Research grants will be sought to fund these efforts
where possible. As an example of this, CERT intends play an active role in the development
of Multi-Media Mitigation programs to support the radon-in-water rule.
Mr. Douglas L. Kladder has agreed to spearhead this effort on behalf of
NEHA. In order to devote the time necessary to insure the success of this endeavor, he is
in the process of separating himself from other aspects of his business, including active
radon mitigation work and administering the Western Regional Radon Training Center. The
administration of the NEHA-NRPP program will shift to the CERT program to insure
consistency of its operation and a consolidation of efforts.
It is our intention to utilize the input of subject experts as well as
training providers to accomplish these missions. By doing so, it is believed that a
value-added service will be provided to credentialed individuals as well as ancillary
organizations such as training providers. We look forward to your involvement in this
process.
Larry L. Marcum
Manager of Research and Development
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