Medford, Oregon- As part of National Radon Action Month in January, students across the Northwest are raising awareness about radon gas through the annual Northwest Radon Poster Contest. The initiative aims to educate the public about the dangers of radon, a naturally occurring, radioactive gas that can accumulate indoors and pose serious health risks.
This year, Alexia Vallo, a 13-year-old from Medford, Oregon, earned first place in the Oregon state contest and second place nationwide for her creative poster. For her achievement, Alexia will receive a $300 prize from the American Lung Association.
The contest serves to inform communities about the harmful effects of radon exposure and to encourage testing and mitigation efforts. According to health officials, radon is colorless, odorless, and tasteless, making testing the only way to detect its presence. Prolonged exposure to elevated radon levels is the leading cause of lung cancer among nonsmokers and the second-leading cause of lung cancer among smokers.
The contest is open to youths aged 9 to 14 in Oregon, Idaho, and Washington. Eligible participants include students enrolled in schools or members of sponsoring organizations such as scouting, art, or 4-H clubs. Each participant may submit one entry. Contest rules and submission details are available on the Northwest Radon Poster Contest website.
The initiative is supported by several organizations, including the Oregon Health Authority’s Radon Awareness Program, Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, Nez Perce Tribe, Spokane Tribe of Indians, and Washington Department of Health’s Radon Program. The Northwest Radon Coalition and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 10, are also collaborators.
The American Lung Association announced the national winners this week, further highlighting the importance of public awareness efforts surrounding radon.
Source: ALA
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