Georgia Radon Poster Contest

Introduction

The UGA Radon Program is excited to announce the annual Poster contest.

Radon is s a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas that can cause lung cancer. The U.S. Surgeon General lists radon exposure as the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. This radioactive element comes from the ground and can easily enter homes and building through foundation openings. The only way to detect the amount of radon present is to test for it.

Purpose and Goal

The Nation Radon Poster Contest serves to raise awareness for the harmful effects of elevated levels of indoor radon gas and promote testing and mitigation of indoor radon. By participating in this activity, students will learn about radon and how to reduce their risk of exposure.

Poster Topics

Eligibility

Youths ages 9-14 are eligible. They may be enrolled in a public, private, territorial, tribal, Department of Defense (DoD), or home school; or qualify through a sponsoring club, such as art, computer, reading, or science clubs, scouting organization, or 4-H clubs. Only one entry per child may be submitted and students must work individually.

Submission/Prizes

All posters must be submitted to Rebecca Cantrell by November 3, 2025. Posters may be submitted by email (rebecca.cantrell@uga.edu) or mail (UGA Radon Program, 228 Hoke Smith Annex, Athens, GA 30602). Posters must include an artwork submission form and follow the guidelines below to be considered. 1^st, 2^nd, and 3^rd place winners in Georgia will receive a cash prize donated by Georgia Radon Defense.

Artwork Requirements

• Be original
• Artwork must not be created through AI
• No student names on the front of the poster
• Artwork Submission Form must be included with the poster
• White Paper- 8.5” x 11” or 11” x 17” size is preferred, but all submission sizes will be accepted (preferred size best for easier reproducibility)
• Can be created with crayon, markers, paint (watercolor, tempera, and acrylic), collage, pencil, photographs, or computer graphics (such as Canva)
• Lettering and message should be large enough to reproduce well, with all pencil markings erased
• Copyrighted characters, product logos, and trademarked or brand names cannot be used

Judging Criteria

• Content accuracy on radon
• Visual communication of topic
• Reproducibility (larger letters, good contrast)
• Originality
• No grammatical and/or typographical errors

Winners Announced

First, second, and third place winners’ parents will be contacted around December. Each year we work with the Governor’s office to coordinate a photo opportunity at the capitol. The date of the event is scheduled by the Governor’s office is subject to change. It is generally in January during National Radon Action Month or possibly February. Winners, their families, and the Extension Agent or Teacher they worked with will be invited.

First place winners will be entered in the National Radon Poster Contest, organized and sponsored by the Conference of Radiation Control Program Directors and American Lung Association.

Note: Posters may be used for educational outreach. Each applicant should include a signed release on the Artwork Submission Form for the use of the poster.

Resources

U.S. EPA