WYOMING — The Wyoming Department of Health and Wyoming Cancer Program, in partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, has developed the Wyoming Radon Video and Poster Contest to raise awareness about the dangers of radon gas.
Radon is a colorless, odorless, tasteless, radioactive gas that causes lung cancer. The Surgeon General considers radon the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, and the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers. As one hundred percent of Wyoming counties are considered at high risk, this contest aims to provide an opportunity for educating Wyoming youth and the general public.
“While all homes have radon, higher levels of radon can mean a health concern linked to lung cancer,” said Star Jones, Wyoming Cancer Program manager with the Wyoming Department of Health.“We are asking Wyoming’s youth to use their creativity to help us tell the story of radon and its risks.”
The video contest is open to Wyoming high school students and asks participants to create a one-minute public service announcement or commercial-style video encouraging Wyoming residents to test their homes for Radon.
A committee will select the top three winning videos to receive awards. The first-place winner will receive $400, second place $300 and, third place $200. There will also be a “Most Views” contest, with the winner receiving a $100 prize. The first-place winner will also be entered in the national video contest for a chance to win $1000.
The poster contest has two divisions, one for grades 3-6, and the other for students grades 7-9. The top two winners from each group will receive a gift certificate; $150 for first place winners, $100 for second place winners. The winning posters will be used in local advertisements.
The winning videos and posters will be used to help promote radon awareness month in January. Both contests are currently open and all submissions are due by Nov. 6. Complete rules and details, as well as information about radon and its risks, can be found here.
