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Mandatory radon testing in school buildings now!

Dear [title] [last name],

As a [PARENT/STUDENT/CONCERNED CITIZEN] in your district, I’m writing to urge you to support legislation that would make radon testing mandatory in schools.  
 In the past decade, 5 bills requiring testing in PA schools have been introduced, without receiving either a hearing or a committee vote. This needs to change. As the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, we know that radon is a silent and deadly killer that can take years to reveal its damage. An estimated 21,000 Americans die from radon exposure each year, and legislative inaction only allows that number to grow. Recent articles in Trib Live have revealed that Pennsylvania has the third-highest radon levels in the country, but no laws requiring testing in public or private buildings.  We also know that children are particularly susceptible to radon exposure, due to their growing lungs and developing bodies. A child exposed to radon is twice as likely to develop lung cancer as an adult with the same level of exposure. 
 However, this does not mean our teachers are 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 before they died.  It is very important to the citizens of Southwestern PA to see our legislators come together on this issue. For the sake of our children and educators, please don’t wait for another tragedy. Support legislation that makes radon testing mandatory in schools.

Thank you for your consideration. [Your Name]
[Your City & State]

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Summary

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive soil gas originating from decaying radioactive radium in the ground. It enters buildings through cracks in the foundation. Long-term exposure, even at low levels, can lead to lung cancer. Children are particularly susceptible to exposure because of their rapidly developing bodies. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer, but the good news is radon exposure can be prevented. Testing for radon is the first step to preventing exposure, and over a dozen states require radon testing in schools. However, Pennsylvania is not one of them despite having some of the highest levels of radon in the country! Let's change that by contacting your legislators to tell them to pass requirements for radon testing in schools.

Who will receive your email?

Your State Senator(s) and State Representative State Governor State Lt. Governor

why sign?

Only 15% of schools across the state have tested for radon in the past 10 years
EPA estimates 1 in 5 schools classrooms have a short-term radon level at or above the suggested limit
There is no safe level of exposure to radon. Long-term exposure, even at low levels, can lead to lung cancer.

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No More Radon in Schools!

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