SPRINGFIELD–During this Radon Action Month, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS) and the American Lung Association in Illinois encourage families and schools to talk about radon and its dangerous effects. One way to spur the conversation is to ask school-age students to enter artwork into the statewide awareness poster and video contests.
“Radon is an invisible threat that poses a very real danger to our communities. As the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, it’s critical that we continue raising awareness and encouraging proactive testing,” said IEMA-OHS Director Ted Berger. “The creativity and passion we see in these student contests are truly inspiring. When young people take the lead in educating others through their creativity, they help shape a healthier future for generations to come.”
IEMA-OHS and the American Lung Association are now launching the two 2026 statewide contests that encourage school students to create awareness posters or videos to increase knowledge in their communities. High school students can enter a 30-second commercial-style video, while middle school students can enter a poster that encourages radon testing. Contest submissions are being accepted through March 15.
Radon test kits are discounted for residents in Illinois (while supplies last) and can be purchased at Lung.org/radon-test, by calling the Illinois Radon HelpLine at 800-325-1245 or at most hardware and department stores. It is recommended to start with a short-term test kit, which typically takes 2-7 days to complete. Should you find radon levels at or above the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s action level of 4.0 pCi/L, you should contact the Illinois Radon HelpLine at 800-325-1245 for guidance on conducting a follow-up test to confirm results and hiring a licensed mitigation professional who is trained to reduce radon levels.
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Both contests are sponsored by IEMA-OHS and the American Lung Association. For more information on the awareness poster and video contest, visit https://iemaohs.illinois.gov/nrs/radon/radoncontest.html.
2025 Radon Poster Winners
- 1st place – Thompson Junior High school, Oswego (Avery T.)
- 2nd place – Traughber Junior High School, Oswego (Eiaan S.)
- 3rd place –Garcia – St. Raphael Catholic School, Naperville (Alyssa G.)
2025 Radon Video Winners
- 1st place – Lake Zurich High School (Gabrielle B, Elise B.) GG 16×9 Multipants v25 0 c linh phuonglelinh hoanh
- 2nd place – Neuqua Valley High School, Naperville (Noah Z, Luke T., and Jillian M.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MMir58QFljs
- 3rd place – Mascoutah High School (Irelunn C. and Mariah C.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3x-dUad0eO0
- Most Views: Neuqua Valley High School, Naperville (Saanvi B.)
For information on radon measurement, mitigation, and licensing, visit the IEMA-OHS Radon page at https://iemaohs.illinois.gov/nrs/radon.html. Information is also available through the Illinois Radon Hotline at 800-325-1245.
Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS): Ready.Illinois.Gov