The American Lung Association and the Indiana Department of Health have announced the winners of the 2025 Indiana Radon Poster contest. This annual event aims to increase awareness about radon gas, which is a leading cause of lung cancer deaths among non-smokers.
In the United States, one in every 15 homes has elevated levels of radon. Schools represent the second largest source of radon exposure for students and staff, who spend nearly eight hours daily inside these buildings for almost ten months each year.
Middle school students across Indiana participated in the contest to promote radon awareness. The winners have been selected and recognized for their efforts.
Radon is a naturally occurring, colorless, odorless, tasteless radioactive gas resulting from uranium breakdown in soil. It is present in all 50 states and can enter homes or schools through foundation cracks and other openings. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) advises installing a radon mitigation system in buildings with radon levels at or above four picocuries per liter.
"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," said Alexis Gigliello, Nationwide Manager for Indoor Air Quality at the Lung Association. "The only way to detect radon in schools is to test. A nationwide survey by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates one in five schools has at least one schoolroom with a short-term radon level above the action level of 4.0 pCi/L. It also finds more than 70,000 schoolrooms have high short-term radon levels."
This summer, the Lung Association will launch the Clean Air School Challenge to help K-12 schools create healthier learning environments and improve children's health. Participating schools will receive training, mentorship, technical assistance, and more as they work towards cleaner indoor air and energy efficiency for students, staff, and families. This program will play an essential role in addressing radon reduction in schools.
"We truly appreciate the time, energy, and work students across the state put into their posters," said Paul Krievins, Director of the Lead and Healthy Homes Division at the Indiana Department of Health. "These posters will help Hoosiers throughout the state better understand why radon is dangerous and how testing and mitigation can make all the difference in a family's health."
The Lung Association and Indiana Department of Health selected this year's winners. The first-place winner will be entered into the 2026 National Radon Poster Contest. Details for next year's contest will be available on its website.
For questions about radon or testing your home, visit Lung.org/radon or contact the Indiana Radon HelpLine at 1-800-272-9723.
For further information on poster contests please contact Janye Killelea via email at [email protected] or call (312) 940-7624.
