Families in Niagara Falls are calling for action after radioactive pollution was detected in the yards of at least 120 homes.
They say some families were notified by letter about thorium pollution beyond acceptable levels, which has residents calling for state and federal officials to do more — and potentially add the area as a Superfund site, a program that was started after the nearby Love Canal contamination.
Neighbors say their families have lived in the affected areas for years.
“I’m scared,” said resident Lexi Hawk. “My daughter’s at a susceptible age; she’s played outside for her whole life. I don’t know what the health effects are or what they could mean for her. I have a dog who runs around the yard digging holes and now I have to keep her on a short lead.”
U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer released a statement, saying:
“The homeowners and businesses in this Niagara Falls community need full information, transparency, and cooperative action with state and federal regulators regarding the presence and extent of radioactive contamination in their midst – and they need it now.”
Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt, also released a statement, saying:
“The New York State DEC, DOH and the EPA owe the people of Niagara County a full explanation of where these properties are located, what impacts to health this has had on past and present residents of these areas, and what plans are in place to remediate these dangerous conditions.”