The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) has opened the 2026 Colorado and National Radon Video and Poster contest to students across the state. The contest aims to increase awareness about the dangers of indoor radon exposure, with opportunities for students to win cash prizes and have their creative work distributed nationwide.
“Radon is invisible, but the risk isn’t — and that’s where Colorado students come in,” said Jill Hunsaker Ryan, executive director of CDPHE. “Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among people who don’t smoke, and this contest lets students use their creativity to help families understand their risk, test their homes, and take simple steps to stay safe.”
Participants can enter either a poster or video contest. Students ages 9-14 are eligible for the poster competition, while those aged 14-18 may submit a 30-second video. Eligible participants must be enrolled in public, private, territorial, Tribal, Department of Defense, or home schools or be members of sponsoring clubs such as scouting or science organizations. Only one entry per student is allowed.
State-level winners will receive $300 for first place, $200 for second place, and $100 for third place; teachers of winning students will also receive $100 each. Winning entries will be featured on CDPHE’s website and social media channels before advancing to the national contest.
The annual contest is coordinated by CDPHE in partnership with the Conference of Radiation Control Program Directors and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. All submissions are due by April 30, 2026.
Long-term exposure to radon gas remains a significant health risk in Colorado. The gas is responsible for about 500 lung cancer deaths annually among non-smokers in the state. CDPHE provides free radon test kits to residents through www.coloradoradon.info while supplies last.
Further information on radon risks, discounted testing kits, certified contractors, and contest details can be found on CDPHE’s website or by calling Colorado’s Radon Hotline at 1-800-846-3986. For questions regarding the contest specifically, contact Margaret Horton at margaret.horton@state.co.us.
