Students across the Pacific Northwest are encouraged to get creative and help raise awareness about the dangers of radon gas by participating in the 2023 Northwest Radon Poster Contest.
The contest kicked off in January, which is Radon Action Month, and the deadline to enter is at 11:59 p.m. on March 10.
“Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can build up in homes both old and new,” stated a news release from the Washington Department of Health. “Testing is the only way to know if your home has radon because it is colorless, odorless and tasteless. Long-term radon exposure is the number one cause of lung cancer in nonsmokers and the second-leading cause of lung cancer in smokers.”
Youth between the ages of 9 and 14 who live in Washington, Oregon or Idaho are eligible to participate in the poster contest. They must either be enrolled in a public, private, territorial, tribal, Department of Defense, or home school, or be a member of a sponsoring club.
Only one entry per student is allowed, stated the release. The winners will be announced by April 17.
First, second and third place winners will be selected from each state. A regional grand prize will be selected from the winning submissions, stated the release.
First place posters from each state will then be submitted to the 2024 National Radon Poster Contest.
“All participating students will learn about radon and how to reduce their risk of exposure,” stated the release.
To find contest submission forms, lesson plans and rules, go online to healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/northwest-radon-post er-contest.
The contest is sponsored by Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, Nez Perce Tribe, Oregon Radon Awareness Program, Spokane Tribe of Indians, and the Washington Department of Health Radon Program in collaboration with the Northwest Radon Coalition and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 10.
