The National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) had its origins in the state of California where it was incorporated in 1937. The original impetus behind the creation of a national professional society for environmental health practitioners was the desire by professionals of that day to establish a standard of excellence for this developing profession. This standard, which has come to be known as the Registered Environmental Health Specialist or Registered Sanitarian credential, signifies that an environmental health professional has mastered a body of knowledge (which is verified through the passing of an examination), and has acquired sufficient experience, to satisfactorily perform work responsibilities in the environmental health field. The pioneers of the association believed that such a credential was necessary if the environmental health field was to grow and take shape as a legitimate and widely respected profession.
Drawing on the original effort that led to the creation of NEHA, the association today stands as a strong professional society with over 4,500 members across the nation. Clearly NEHA’s mission, “to advance the environmental health and protection professional for the purpose of providing a healthful environment for all” is as relevant today as it was when the organization was founded.
The NEHA National Radon Proficiency Program is the leading certification program for radon professionals in North America. We’re pleased to note that our program was officially deemed equivalent to the USEPA’s certification program in 2001. Since then, through the professional efforts of the National Environmental Health Association and the American Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists, and the independent oversight of both an independent Policy Advisory Board and Education Advisory Board, consisting of 16 public and private sector officials, educators, practitioners and well respected scientists, the NRRP program has grown into the largest body of radon professionals anywhere in the world. The NEHA-NRPP program is also supported administratively through both the staff of the American Association of Radon Scientist’s and independent scientists and technical advisors who serve on the AARST Technical and Science committee.
Individuals and laboratories holding NEHA-NRPP certification have not only met the requirements set forth by the original EPA program, but are constantly looking for ways to raise the standards of professionalism. The NEHA-NRPP logo carries both the tradition and commitment of the National Environmental Health Association and the responsibility to full compliance with national standards and regulations. We encourage and support true compliance with the recognized standards of practice as we believe this will protect public health and safety. We fully support state and local regulations that seek to bring about professional compliance and recognize the best practices.
