Protect Our Students: Call on Legislators to Support Radon Testing in Schools!

email advocacy
Goal: 100

Goal: 100

Email Subject:

Dear [Your Elected Official],

As a [PARENT/TEACHER/STUDENT/CONCERNED CITIZEN] in your district, I’m writing to urge you to support legislation that requires radon gas testing in PA schools.
Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, and according to the EPA, no level of exposure is safe. This silent and deadly killer is responsible for the deaths of approximately 21,000 Americans each year, and legislative inaction only allows that number to grow. Children are particularly susceptible to radon exposure, due to their growing lungs and bodies. Here in Pennsylvania, we have some of the highest radon levels in the nation, and yet we have no laws requiring testing in our schools, where our children spend over 1,000 vital hours a year.
Our teachers aren't safe, either. Trib Live shared the stories of educators like Gail Orcutt (Iowa) and Annie Cacciato (Ohio), who both passed away from lung cancer. These women found that their schools had dangerously high levels of radon, and they worked tirelessly to advocate for mandatory testing in schools before they died. Just like asbestos and lead poisoning, radon exposure can be prevented. Testing for radon and installing ventilation systems when levels are above 4 picocuries per liter (the EPA action level) will save lives. Over a dozen states have passed this legislation already, and it's time that Pennsylvania joins them. 
For the sake of our children and educators, please don’t wait for another tragedy. Support legislation that makes radon testing and mitigation mandatory in schools!

Thank you for your consideration.

[Your Name]

[Your City & State]

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Summary

Radon is a colorless, odorless, radioactive gas that comes from decaying radium in the ground. It enters buildings through cracks in the foundations, where it can accumulate to dangerous levels if left unmonitored. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States behind tobacco smoking, and according to the EPA, no level of exposure is safe. We know that children are particularly susceptible to radon because of their vulnerable, developing bodies. We also know that Pennsylvania has some of the highest radon levels in the nation. While some legal protections exist for homeowners, Pennsylvania currently has no requirement to test for radon gas in schools, where children spend over 1,000 vital hours a year. Just like asbestos and lead poisoning, radon exposure can be prevented. Testing for radon and installing ventilation systems to remove the gas will save lives. Over a dozen states already require radon testing in schools, and it's time that Pennsylvania joined them! You can help make this happen by contacting your legislators, calling on them to protect our kids, and asking them to pass a bill that requires radon gas testing in schools.

Who will receive your email?

Art Haywood Senator

Maria Collett Senator

John DiSanto Senate Education Committee

Jarrett Coleman Senate Education Committee

Ryan Aument Senate Education Committee

Doug Mastriano Senate Education Committee

Anthony Williams Senate Education Committee

Timothy Kearney Senate Education Committee

David Argall Senate Education Committee

Ismail Smith-Wade-El House Education Committee

Joe D'Orsie House Education Committeee

Barbara Gleim House Education Committee

John Schlegel House Education Committee

Stephanie Scialabba House Education Committee

Craig Staats House Education Committee

Maureen Madden House Education Committee

Paul Friel House Education Committee

Gina Curry House Education Committee

Joe Ciresi House Education Committee

Robert Mercuri House Education Committee

Joanna McClinton PA Speaker of the House

Kerry Benninghoff PA House Representative, Cancer Caucus Chair

Jesse Topper PA House Representative, Education Committee Minority Chair

Peter Schweyer PA House Representative, Education Committee Chair

Milou Mackenzie PA House Representative, Education Committee

Elizabeth Fiedler PA House Representative

Dan Frankel House Democratic Chair of Health Committee

Joshua Kail House Republicans Policy Chair

Valerie Gaydos PA House Representative

Josh Shapiro Governor

Austin Davis Lt. Governor

Jordan Harris State Representative

Kim Ward Senator

Art Haywood Senator

Jim Brewster Senator

Lindsey Williams Senator

Carolyn Comitta Senator

Wayne Fontana Senator

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Christine Tartaglione Senator

Aerion Abney State Representative

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Malcom Kenyatta State Representative

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