Iowa Students Help Save Lives with Art

This month, local students will work to save lives by raising awareness of a silent killer prevalent in Iowa, radon gas. The American Lung Association in Iowa, in partnership with the Iowa Department of Public Health, calls on students across the state to help raise awareness for radon through the annual Radon Poster and Video Contests.

January is Radon Action Month, a time for people to take action to protect themselves from the colorless, odorless, tasteless, radioactive gas that causes lung cancer. In Iowa, as many as five in seven homes has elevated levels of radon and an estimated 400 deaths per year in Iowa are caused by radon induced lung cancer.

Poster Contest

Students within the ages of 9 – 14 can submit a self-made poster that will increase public awareness of radon and encourage others to test their homes. Winners will receive cash prizes up to $300. Posters are due March 1. Guidelines and an entry form are available here.

Video Contest

In addition, the Lung Association launched the 2017 Iowa High School Radon Video Contest. Iowa high school students and classes can create a one-minute public service announcement or commercial to also raise awareness and encourage testing. Cash prizes reach up to $600. Videos must be submitted via email by March 8. Guidelines and more information are available here.

For more information about the contests, contact Stephanie Huber, Environmental Programs Manager for the Lung Association, at 217-718-6692.