The American Lung Association and the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services have announced the winners of the 2025 Iowa Radon Poster and Video Contest. This annual event aims to increase awareness about radon gas, a leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers.
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is colorless, odorless, and tasteless. It forms from the breakdown of uranium in soil and can enter homes or schools through foundation cracks. The Environmental Protection Agency advises installing mitigation systems in buildings with radon levels at or above 4 picocuries per liter.
Alexis Gigliello, Nationwide Manager for Indoor Air Quality at the Lung Association, stated: “Radon causes 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year and it’s amazing to see the creativity and awareness the children use to highlight the dangers of radon in their communities.” She emphasized that testing is essential to detect radon levels in schools.
A nationwide survey by the Environmental Protection Agency estimates that one in five schools has at least one classroom with short-term radon levels exceeding 4.0 pCi/L. More than 70,000 classrooms reportedly have high short-term radon levels.
In line with these findings, all public schools in Iowa are required under the Gail Orcutt School Radon Safety Act to test for radon by July 1, 2027. If necessary, they must also mitigate elevated radon levels. This summer, the Lung Association will launch the Clean Air School Challenge to support K-12 schools in creating healthier indoor environments.
Randy Lane from Iowa HHS highlighted: “Testing data shows there’s nowhere in the state where a home or building is safe from potentially having a radon level at or above 4 pCi/L.” He encouraged all Iowans to test their homes or buildings for radon.
The winners of this year's contest were selected by representatives from the Lung Association, Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, and members of the Iowa Cancer Consortium. The first-place winners will advance to compete in next year's National Radon Poster and Video Contest.
For further information on testing for radon or participating in future contests, visit Lung.org/radon or contact Janye Killelea via email at [email protected] or call (312) 940-7624.
