Illinois students are helping educate their communities about one of the state’s most dangerous — and least visible — health hazards. Radon.
The American Lung Association and the Illinois Emergency Management Agency-Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS) have announced the winners of the 2026 Illinois Radon Poster and Video Contest, recognizing middle and high school students who used art and video to raise awareness about radon, the colorless, odorless radioactive gas that is the leading cause of lung cancer among people who do not smoke.
The annual contest encourages students to educate families about the importance of testing homes and schools for radon, a naturally occurring gas that enters buildings through cracks in foundations and other openings.
The issue is particularly relevant in Illinois, where 33.5% of tested homes have radon levels at or above the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s action level of 4.0 picocuries per liter (pCi/L). Nationally, about one in every 15 homes has elevated radon levels.
Schools also present a potential source of exposure, as students and staff spend nearly eight hours a day inside school buildings for much of the year.
“Radon is a serious but often overlooked health risk, and these students are helping to change that,” said Melinda Enstrom, Radon Program Manager with IEMA-OHS’s Office of Nuclear Safety. “We truly appreciate the time, energy and work students across the state put into their posters and videos. Their work is helping to educate communities across Illinois about the risks and the simple steps that can be taken to stay safe.”
Let’s meet our winners:
2026 Illinois Radon Poster Contest winners
- First Place ($200): Atharva Karale, Hickory Grove Elementary School
- Second Place ($150): Sommachi Okwudili, S.T.E.M. Academy
- Third Place ($100): Zooey Kubly, Park Junior High School
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2026 Illinois Radon Video Contest winners
- First Place ($600): Breaking News – Radon Gas — Madison Roberts, Megan Pyykkonen, Evelyn Wieringa and Lilian Rankin, Wheaton Academy
- Second Place ($500): Radon Awareness Video — Jackson Younce, Wheaton Academy
- Third Place ($400): Radon Gas — Anna Frankel, Hinsdale High School
- Most Views Award ($200): Importance of Radon — Jimena Rivera and Jennifer Hernandez, Morton West High School
“Radon may be invisible, but its impact is very real, and these students are making sure people are paying attention,” said Alexis Gigliello, Nationwide Manager of Indoor Air Quality for the American Lung Association. “It’s inspiring to see students take the lead in raising awareness and protecting the health of families across Illinois. Their creativity is helping shine a light on this dangerous gas and reminding communities that testing is the only way to know if you’re at risk.”
The EPA recommends installing a radon mitigation system in any home or building where radon levels measure 4.0 pCi/L or higher.
First-place winners from Illinois will advance to the 2027 National Radon Poster and Video Contest, with details about next year’s competition to be announced at a later date.
