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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

OLIN COLLEGE STUDENTS LAUNCH BUSINESS TO BATTLE LUNG CANCER

Needham, MA. October 10, 2007. — Five students at Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering recently launched Ultraviolet Environmental Services, a domestic radon gas testing firm, as a non-profit venture for their Foundations of Business and Entrepreneurship class. The company will serve homes in the nearby towns of Needham, Wellesley, Dedham, Dover, Natick, and Newton, ensuring that local households do not exceed EPA-recommended levels of radon gas. Radon is an odorless, colorless radioactive gas and has been scientifically linked to lung cancer, causing an estimated 21,000 American deaths every year according to the EPA. The founders of Ultraviolet Environmental hope to lower this figure through testing and education as well as supporting the scientific study of lung cancer. The team plans to donate all profits to charities like the American Lung Association, where the money can fund research serving patients with radon-related health issues.

"I hate to see thousands of Americans falling victim to this terrible disease when there are achievable ways to prevent lung cancer now," says Michael Riccobono, the 20-year-old CEO of Ultraviolet Environmental. "The EPA estimates that 1 in every 15 homes is at risk. We can make sure that risk doesn’t become a reality. I think we’ve found a great opportunity to make protecting public health both easy and affordable. And with all proceeds funding research to fight lung cancer, there’s no reason not to test your home."

According to Riccobono, Ultraviolet Environmental plans to test each customer’s home with two EPA-certified test kits, with results reported after lab processing in as little as two days. If the results exceed recommended levels, the company will offer a third test to confirm the presence of radon for no charge, and recommend an EPA-certified radon mitigation service as necessary.

"I think this comprehensive service will save time and provide peace of mind to our customers and their families," said team member Martina Balestra. "Plus, the scientific training and professionalism we gain as Olin students can definitely add value to a customer’s experience."

Balestra added that the company will offer cash rebates for customer referrals and plans to expand its services to offer drinking water contaminant testing as well.

To obtain more information or request an interview, please email Michael Hughes at pr@ultravioletenvironmental.com.

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