Western Ny Radon Contractor Fined For Deceptive Practices

Attorney General Spitzer today announced that his office has obtained the maximum penalty from a Buffalo-area business admitting to false advertising and conducting radon tests without the proper state authorization .

"Consumers have a fundamental right to know that when a business makes claims about its qualifications and expertise, that those claims are true," Spitzer said. "I am committed to protecting New York State's consumers from any and all types of deceptive practices and will punish those who violate consumer trust."

The firm, Radonaire, Inc. of North Tonawanda, paid the maximum penalty of $1,000 for violating the Public Health Law by conducting radon tests without certification from the New York State Department of Health; and for false advertising. It will also cease its deceptive advertising and illegal business practices.

In an effort to prospect for business, the Company frequently canvassed neighborhoods door-to-door encouraging potential clients to have their basements checked for evidence of radon gas.

"This fine will end Radonaire's repeated deception of the public", said Assistant Attorney General Guy C. Giancarlo who represented the Attorney General's Office in the matter.

Radon gas is a known lung carcinogen which occurs naturally in the environment. It is a colorless, odorless gas. Through extended exposure, humans can experience severe adverse health effects. When the gas is discovered in elevated levels it is recommended that measures be taken to mitigate the potential health effects. The geological characteristics of Western New York make elevated gas levels common. Homeowners frequently discover and remedy these situations by hiring contractors specializing in radon remediation.

Attorney General Spitzer's Toll-Free Consumer Hotline can be contacted by calling 800-771-7755