STATEHOUSE  — The Indiana House of Representatives voted in support of legislation sponsored by State Rep. Bob Heaton (R-Terre Haute) that would help better manage air quality in schools.

This proposal, now headed to the governor for consideration as a new law, will require the Indiana State Department of Health to distribute a manual of best practices to schools for managing indoor air quality, specifically with regards to recommendations for radon testing.

Heaton said that radon testing was the main focus of the bill.

Heaton added that the Indiana State Department of Health will be required to revise and distribute the manual to schools every three years, providing information on how to keep air clean in schools and how to test for radon.

Radon is a colorless radioactive gas that is found in soils, rocks and water, and is responsible for thousands of lung cancer deaths in the United States. According to the American Lung Association, Indiana has the seventh-highest rate of lung cancer in the nation.

Senate Enrolled Act 632 is now eligible for action by the governor. To learn more, visit iga.in.gov.