DELAWARE RADON POSTER CONTEST WINNERS ANNOUNCED

January is National Radon Action Month

Delaware's Division of Public Health (DPH) announces the 2010 Delaware entries for the National Radon Action Month poster contest. DPH received 78 entries from participants ages 9-14, enrolled in a public, private or home school, scouting organizations and student clubs. The 2010 Delaware winners are:

- Jamie O'Neill, 9th grade, John Dickenson High School, Wilmington, *Radon Can Cause Lung Cancer, Poster #2
- Jenny Mason, 6th grade, Brandywine Springs School, Wilmington, *Radon Ghosts, Poster #3
- Mara Tazartus, 8th grade, H.B. du Pont Middle School, Hockessin, *Radon Kills, Poster #1

Radon is an invisible, odorless, tasteless and radioactive gas that occurs naturally in rocks and soils throughout the world. This gas may be found in older homes and buildings and in newer ones as well. In fact, since newer homes are more airtight than older ones they often allow higher concentrations of radon to accumulate. According to both the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the American Lung Association, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the nation, second only to smoking. It is also the sixth leading cause of all cancer deaths combined, responsible for nearly 20,000 lung cancer deaths every year.

DPH encourages Delawareans to test their homes for radon. Test kits are available at most hardware stores. To find out if you qualify for a free radon test kit, contact the DPH radon office at (302)744-4546 or call 1-800-464-HELP (4357). Information about radon is available at www.delawarehealthyhomes.org

*Posters attached for viewing.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.