During Radon Action Month, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security, and the American Lung Association in Illinois are partnering together to raise awareness about radon and the serious health risks it can pose.

According to the CDC, Radon is an odorless and invisible radioactive gas naturally released from rocks, soil, and water that can get trapped inside homes and buildings and build up in the air. Over time, breathing in high levels of radon can cause lung cancer.

As part of the effort to raise awareness of the dangerous effects of radon, IEMA and its partners have launched two statewide awareness contests for 2026. High school students are invited to create a 30-second commercial-style video, while middle school students can submit posters encouraging radon testing. Entries for both contests are being accepted through March 15. For more information on the awareness poster and video contest, visit https://iemaohs.illinois.gov/nrs/radon/radoncontest.html.

Radon test kits are also available at a discounted rate for Illinois residents, while supplies last, by visiting lung.org/radon-test or calling the Illinois Radon Helpline at 800-325-1245.