Governor Cuomo instead of taking emergency actions to minimize lung cancer deaths due to Radon, initiates study

ALBANY, NEW YORK, UNITED STATES, November 3, 2017 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Governor Andrew Cuomo and his Health Department head, Dr. Howard Zucker are playing games with people’s lives. Both men know that radon, which is the number two cause for lung cancer is a direct cause for higher numbers of cancer deaths in certain parts of New York State, yet they refuse to properly advise the general public. Most State agencies and private subcontracted agencies throughout New York State that care for people with disabilities and other mental health issues are not being radon tested or mitigated any a very large percentage have unsafe levels of radon, which is gross negligence.

Radon is a State-wide health crisis and major actions should be taken by Gov. Cuomo and his Health Department to save New Yorkers lives from easily preventable lung cancer due to radon gas poisoning. Governor Cuomo knows that radon is a silent killer. The New York State Department of Health knows that radon is killing many hundreds of New York State residents every year, possibly up to 2,000 or more, yet why are they not properly warning and advising the general public of what to do to protect themselves and their families? Why is the State of New York not protecting people with disabilities living in all residential care facilities and group homes from radon gas poisoning and premature death? Why is the State of New York not doing a massive radon TV and radio campaign similar to what they are doing to warn people of the dangers of radon similar to the ones they do letting people know that smoking can kill you?

Governor Cuomo knows that radon is an odorless gas and that you cannot see it or smell it and that it can kill you. Governor Cuomo, the New York State Department of Health (DOH) and its Commissioner, Dr. Howard Zucker, know full well that radon is one, if not the biggest, reason why certain parts of New York State have much higher rates of cancer than others https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-cuomo-announces-cancer-research-initiative-enhance-prevention-efforts-and-improve . Just like they both knew of the massive water contamination in Hoosick Falls, long before everything surfaced publicly in the media.

Why the political games by Governor Cuomo and his DOH Commissioner as many New Yorkers continue to die from lung cancer? Radon is an easily fixed problem, if people only know what to do to protect themselves and their families. Leaders lead and the governor cannot continue to ignore the radon health crisis in New York State https://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/story/34942/20171026/gov-cuomo-announces-studies-of-cancer-hot-spots-including-warren-county . Most radon caused deaths are preventable deaths. This is no joke, this is no game, Governor Cuomo, radon gas in New York State is a far greater health crisis than the water contamination crisis in Hoosick Falls, New York, than gained national attention. In this recent news story, governor Cuomo is directly quoted;

"Let’s study the health factors, the demographic factors, the environmental factors and find out why there’s that deviation," the governor said. "If we can find out what’s causing it, we can go further down the road in preventing it." - Governor Andrew Cuomo

It is important to note who the first whistle-blower of the radon health crisis is, it is the famous New York Times whistle-blower, Jeff Monsour http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/13/nyregion/13homes.html . In early 2007, Jeff Monsour, a State employee with an impeccable record, blew the whistle on radon amongst many other serious life threatening issues, but both he and the extreme dangers were ignored by State officials. New York was not radon testing thousands of mental health facilities and group homes, both State run or private as mentioned earlier, yet per State and federal law they are required to provide a safe living environment for all residents with disabilities. Radon, is not only a threat to lives of the disabled, but all caregivers within State and private facilities and group homes.

It is willful neglect by Governor Cuomo to know of the dangers of radon and other life threatening matters and do nothing. Radon is a deadly state-wide health crisis. Mr. Monsour brought the radon gas health crisis to the attention of Michael Carey, another whistle-blower and advocate for people with disabilities years ago. After the State of New York ignored the severe dangers, Mr. Monsour was compelled to seek other help to save the further loss of innocent peoples’ lives, both residents with disabilities and his fellow caregivers and co-workers.

“Governor Cuomo must take his responsibility seriously, it is too late to save lives already lost, but what is critical now is to save the further loss of precious lives. This information is not to shine a light alone of what has not been done, but is to be a clarion or trumpet call for numerous emergency actions concerning protecting everyone from radon and preventable lung cancer. As the Governor of New York State, over close to 20 million residents, he has the direct responsibility to take emergency actions now.” Michael Carey

Michael Carey
The Jonathan Carey Foundation
(518) 852-9377
email us here

The incredible life and tragic preventable death of Jonathan Carey, who was disabled, had autism, was non-verbal & only 13 when he was killed by his caregivers