SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — Two statewide awareness contests for the youth are being held during National Radon Action Month.

The Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS) and the American Lung Association are launching these contests to spread awareness for the dangers of radon exposure. Radon is an often-undetected danger, as it has no color, taste or scent. It is also the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States.

“It is estimated that more than 1,100 people in Illinois develop radon-related lung cancer each year,” said IEMA-OHS Director Alicia Tate-Nadeau. “IEMA-OHS is encouraging all property owners and renters to understand the risk and test for radon.”

To raise awareness for radon testing, there will be poster and video contests across the state encouraging students to create awareness projects to increase radon knowledge among their classmates.

The registration for the radon poster contest is now open for students ages 9-14. All submissions are due March 10, and first place will win $200, second place $150 and third place $100.

The radon video contest registration is also now open for all high school students. These submissions are also due March 10 with first place winning $600, second place $500, third place $400 and the video with the most views will receive $200.

The high school students can enter a 30-second commercial style video, while middle school students can enter a poster that encourages radon testing. For more information on the contests, visit illinois.gov/nrs/radon/radoncontest.

Additionally, Radon test kits can be purchased by calling the Illinois Radon Hotline at 800-325-1245 or at most hardware and department stories. It’s recommended to conduct one short-term test and one long-term test to ensure consistent readings.

“Radon is responsible for an estimated 21,000 lung cancer deaths every year and is the leading cause of lung cancer in people who have never smoked,” said Jill Heins-Nesvold, Nationwide Senior Director of Indoor Air Quality for the American Lung Association. “Since radon is odorless, tasteless and colorless, the only way to detect radon in your home is to test the air. This is why it is critical for everyone to test their home.”

Anyone who finds high readings should contact IEMA-OHS at 800-325-1245 for information about a licensed mitigation professional who can reduce radon levels. For more information on radon measurement, mitigation and licensing, visit the IEMA-OHS Radon page or call 800-325-1245.