SW health district kicks off annual radon poster contest

    Youths ages 9-14 are again eligible to participate in the annual radon poster contest sponsored by the Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department.
    Contest organizers want to educate youths about the dangers of radon exposure in the home.
     “The poster contest is a great way to get kids and schools involved in radon education,” said Joy Trail, Program Manager.  
    “The kids’ artwork is always fun to see, and they get very creative sharing what they’ve learned about radon,” she said.
    Students can be sponsored by public, private or home schools —or through other sponsoring groups, such as an art, computer or science club, scouting organization or 4-H club.
     Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States and the leading cause of lung cancer in nonsmokers. It is a colorless, odorless and tasteless gas that enters homes and buildings through the breakdown of uranium in the soil and cannot be detected unless it is tested.  
    In Nebraska, one out of every two homes tested has a high radon level.
Poster artwork guidelines
     On white paper/white background the preferred size is 12 x 18” or 8.5 x 11” but all submission sizes will be accepted.
    Digital submissions are preferred due to COVID-19; this may be either digital artwork or digital photos of paper artwork.
    Can be created with crayon, markers, paint (watercolor, acrylic, etc.), collage, pencil, photographs or computer graphics.
    Be original.
    Must not have the student’s name on the front.
    Attach a completed artwork submission form to the back or to the email.
    Lettering and messaging on poster should be large enough to reproduce well, with all pencil markings erased.
    Copyrighted characters such as Disney, Marvel Comics, Nebraska Huskers or any sports teams’ product logos, trademarks or brand names cannot be used.
     The deadline for submitting posters to the health department is Feb. 9. Prizes will be given to the top three posters in three age groups: 9-10, 11-12 and 13-14.
    Send posters to info@swhealth.ne.gov or to PO Box 1235, McCook NE 69001.