The MIA recognizes that many industry members are dealing with customer concerns. "I hope the materials we provide will be useful," said Hogan. "However, I suspect [industry members] may need additional sources of information -- including some independent sources. To that end, I would like to recommend that, [anyone who] wishes to refer customers to an independent Web site that provides a rational discussion of the radon realities, they refer them to http://www.radon.com/radon/granite.html. They will find a special page posted just last week by Air Chek, Inc., one of America's largest providers of radon test kits. I think [people] will find the page to be both useful and calming to their customers. We spoke to the company this week and learned that its inquiries have risen significantly in the past week. However, despite the fact that Air Chek benefits financially from radon testing, the company's executives are distressed that so many people are driven by needless fears. That is clearly reflected on the page linked above.
As you know, the MIA does not have the resources in place to undertake this kind of aggressive defense of the industry. We need [the industry's] financial support. I hope [members] will help us protect our industry's good name by writing a check to the Marble Institute of America/Truth About Granite Fund. Those checks can be sent to the Marble Institute of America, 28901 Clemens Road, Suite 100, Cleveland, OH 44145. Over 100 companies from around the world have already contributed, and that support is very much appreciated.
"Please understand that this is a fight for our business lives," continued Hogan. "Attackers clearly seek more than to simply increase their own sales; they are trying to cripple this industry. We will continue to notify [the industry] of our progress in the weeks to come."