Illinois e-News Release
Media Release
January 14, 2026
Acting Director Theodore Berger
Public Information Officer Haley Williams
Deputy Public Information Officer Melissa Hahn
IEMA-OHS and American Lung Association in Illinois Recognize Radon Action Month
Announces 2025 Media Contest Winners and Opens 2026 Contest
SPRINGFIELD–During this Radon Action Month, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS) and the American Lung Association in Illinois encourage families and schools to talk about radon and its dangerous effects. One way to spur the conversation is to ask school-age students to enter artwork into the statewide awareness poster and video contests.
“Radon is an invisible threat that poses a very real danger to our communities. As the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, it’s critical that we continue raising awareness and encouraging proactive testing,” said IEMA-OHS Director Ted Berger. “The creativity and passion we see in these student contests are truly inspiring. When young people take the lead in educating others through their creativity, they help shape a healthier future for generations to come.”
IEMA-OHS and the American Lung Association are now launching the two 2026 statewide contests that encourage school students to create awareness posters or videos to increase knowledge in their communities. High school students can enter a 30-second commercial-style video, while middle school students can enter a poster that encourages radon testing. Contest submissions are being accepted through March 15.
Radon test kits are discounted for residents in Illinois (while supplies last) and can be purchased at Lung.org/radon-test, by calling the Illinois Radon HelpLine at 800-325-1245 or at most hardware and department stores. It is recommended to start with a short-term test kit, which typically takes 2-7 days to complete. Should you find radon levels at or above the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s action level of 4.0 pCi/L, you should contact the Illinois Radon HelpLine at 800-325-1245 for guidance on conducting a follow-up test to confirm results and hiring a licensed mitigation professional who is trained to reduce radon levels.
| | Radon Poster Contest | Radon Video Contest |
| Eligibility | Students Age 9-14 | All High School Students |
| Registration Status | Now Open | Now Open |
| Submissions Due | March 15 | March 15 |
| First Prize | $200 | $600 |
| Second Prize | $150 | $500 |
| Third Prize | $100 | $400 |
| Most Views Winner | n/a | $200 |
2025 Radon Poster Winners
- 1st place – Thompson Junior High school, Oswego (Avery T.)
- 2nd place – Traughber Junior High School, Oswego (Eiaan S.)
- 3rd place –Garcia – St. Raphael Catholic School, Naperville (Alyssa G.)
2025 Radon Video Winners
For information on radon measurement, mitigation, and licensing, visit the IEMA-OHS Radon page at
https://iemaohs.illinois.gov/nrs/radon.html. Information is also available through the Illinois Radon Hotline at 800-325-1245.
Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS):
Ready.Illinois.Gov
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