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2027 Radon Poster/Video Contest Announcement

LisaBruedigan — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 14:00:51 +0000

2027 Radon Poster/Video Contest Announcement

LisaBruedigan Wed, 07/15/2026 - 10:00

Join the Movement: Empowering Youth Through the CRCPD Radon Poster & Video Contest!

We need YOU: State and Tribal Radon Programs, partner with the CRCPD E-25 Committee on Radon to amplify your impact through the annual Radon Poster and Video Contest.

The Conference of Radiation Control Program Directors (CRCPD) is a vital organization dedicated to promoting consistency and high standards in radiation protection programs nationwide. The E-25 Committee on Radon is at the forefront of this effort, working on national initiatives to reduce radon risk. A key part of their mission is coordinating and judging the impactful National Radon Poster and Video Contest.

Why Should Your State or Tribal Program Champion the Poster/Video Contest? Here are a few reasons: 1. Elevate Your State/Tribal Radon Program: Participating in the National Radon Poster and Video Contest offers an incredible platform to engage your community, particularly young people, in learning about radon. It provides a tangible and creative outlet for them to become advocates for radon safety. Many states, like Utah and Colorado, already leverage this contest to great effect, offering local prizes and garnering significant media attention for their efforts. 2. Foster Scientific Literacy and Public Health Engagement: The contest encourages students to research, understand, and communicate complex scientific information about radon in an accessible way. This hands-on learning experience is invaluable for developing critical thinking skills and fostering an early interest in public health. Imagine the ripple effect as these informed young people share their knowledge with their families and communities! 3. Connect with Key Educational Partners: The contest is a natural fit for collaboration with schools and educational organizations. Think of Science Teacher Associations, PTAs, and even local art or technology clubs! These groups are eager for engaging, curriculum-relevant activities that empower their students. Providing them with the contest framework, along with your valuable expertise on radon, creates a powerful partnership.

How the Contest Works (and How You Can Help!):

The National Radon Poster and Video Contest typically targets youth aged 9-14 for posters and high school students for videos. Entries often focus on key radon topics such as: ● What is radon? ● Where does radon come from? ● How does radon get into our homes? ● Radon can cause lung cancer. ● Test your home for radon. ● Mitigating radon in your home.

State and tribal programs can organize their own contests, selecting top entries to advance to the national competition. This allows for localized impact and recognition before students compete on a larger stage.

All state and/or tribes must submit their 1st place poster and/or video to Eleanor Divver (edivver@utah.gov) by November 20, 2026.

Attached to this email, you'll find: ● Tips for a Good Poster (in English and Spanish): These guidelines will help students create impactful and informative artwork that effectively communicates radon awareness. ● Admission Forms: The standard forms used by CRCPD for the national contest can be adapted for your state-level competitions, streamlining the submission process.

Let's empower the next generation to be radon-aware and work together to reduce the risk of this preventable health hazard. Join the CRCPD E-25 Committee and help make a difference through the Radon Poster & Video Contest!

Eleanor Divver, Utah Radon Program, CRCPD E-25 Committee Cochair

Locations

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How States are Using SIRG Funding to Build Radon Aware Communities

LisaBruedigan — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 13:51:36 +0000

How States are Using SIRG Funding to Build Radon Aware Communities LisaBruedigan Wed, 07/15/2026 - 09:51

The latest State and Tribal Indoor Radon Grants (SIRG) reporting shows that states are turning dollars into highly effective, life-saving programs. From rewriting local building codes to launching sweeping school-testing initiatives, state radon programs are aggressively tackling the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S.

Here is a look at how several states are maximizing their grant funding to achieve measurable results across three critical focus areas.

1. Strengthening Policy and Professional Standards
States are using SIRG resources to tighten regulations on who can install mitigation systems and how new buildings are constructed.
● New Hampshire: Revised its state statutes to require anyone designing or installing airborne radon mitigation systems to be formally certified by the National Radon Proficiency Program (NRPP) or the National Radon Safety Board (NRSB). This ensures homeowners are protected by qualified professionals.
● Local Building Codes: Cities and counties like Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, and Teton County, Wyoming, have successfully advanced the adoption of Radon-Resistant New Construction (RRNC) requirements at the local level.

2. Protecting Children via School and Daycare Testing
Children spend a massive portion of their developing years inside classrooms. Because radon is invisible and odorless, proactive testing programs funded by SIRG are essential for keeping educational spaces safe.
• Florida: 250+ schools and daycares were tested for radon. Provided targeted radon training to over 40 county health departments to build local expertise.
• Pennsylvania: 115 schools and daycares tested; 2 high-radon schools successfully mitigated. Partnered with local hospitals to give new parents a New Parent's Citizen's Guide to Radon and a free test kit.

3. Demystifying Real Estate Transactions
Buying a home is the most common time Americans think about radon. States are utilizing grants to train the real estate community so that testing becomes a seamless, non-adversarial part of buying a house.
● Kansas: Led a massive effort resulting in 9,100+ housing units tested and 1,900+ homes mitigated. To sustain this momentum, the state radon program actively provides free, targeted training to realtor groups on how to communicate radon hazards and navigate technical guidance during a sale.

The Blueprint for Success
These accomplishments prove that the SIRG program is doing exactly what it was designed to do: empowering states to create localized solutions to lower radon levels and save lives.

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United States

CRCPD Named Denise Bleiler as 2026 Susie Shimek Radon Hero Award Recipient

Margaret Henderson — Sat, 27 Jun 2026 20:21:02 +0000

CRCPD Named Denise Bleiler as 2026 Susie Shimek Radon Hero Award Recipient Margaret Henderson Sat, 06/27/2026 - 16:21

Denise Bleiler Named as 2026 Susie Shimek Radon Hero Award Recipient

At the CRCPD National Conference in May 2026, Denise Bleiler was named the recipient of the Radon Hero Award, a recognition give by CRCPD for outstanding contribution. The presentation read:

Denise has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to protecting public health through her leadership of the Pennsylvania Radon Program. Throughout her career, she has worked to reduce public exposure to radon by ensuring strong regulatory oversight, compliance, and enforcement of Pennsylvania’s radon standards.

As program manager, Denise has overseen the certification and regulation of radon measurement and mitigation professionals, helping ensure residents receive high-quality services that effectively reduce radon risks in their homes. Her efforts have directly contributed to safer living environments for thousands of Pennsylvanians.

Denise was instrumental in developing and implementing new industry requirements and successfully guiding professionals through the transition. Through education, communication, and enforcement, she strengthened industry compliance while maintaining a collaborative approach with stakeholders.
A dedicated advocate for workforce development, Denise has provided high-quality training and continuing education opportunities that have helped build a skilled and knowledgeable radon workforce. Her efforts have strengthened the long-term effectiveness of radon testing and mitigation programs across the state.

Beyond Pennsylvania, Denise has advanced radon awareness through her service with CRCPD Committee E-25, the Pennsylvania Radon Coalition, Pennsylvania’s Cancer Control Plan, and the National Radon Action Plan. Her leadership, professionalism, and lasting contributions make her a highly deserving recipient of the Susie Shimek Radon Hero Award.

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United States

Indoor Air Radon Testing Rate and Its Relationships with Various Socioeconomic and Public Health Factors in Georgia, USA

Margaret Henderson — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 22:42:57 +0000

Indoor Air Radon Testing Rate and Its Relationships with Various Socioeconomic and Public Health Factors in Georgia, USA Margaret Henderson Mon, 06/22/2026 - 18:42

Indoor Air Radon Testing Rate and Its Relationships with Various Socioeconomic and Public Health Factors in Georgia, USA

Personnel from the Georgia Radon Program and their allied programs and laboratories have published a statistical research article, using 134,496 short-term indoor air radon test results from Georgia, USA. The data set was provided by the State Indoor Radon Program as contributed by testing laboratories. It covers the period 1990-2022. The study correlates radon testing rate with a total of 104 different independent variables belonging to seven categories:
(1) Demographic and Neighborhood Characteristics;
(2) Housing Characteristics;
(3) Literacy and Numeracy;
(4) Employment and Economy;
(5) Selected Social Factors;
(6) Access to Computer/Internet; and
(7) Status of Healthcare, Health, Wellbeing, and Lifestyle.

The study focused attention on the demographic diversity and pronounced variation in socioeconomic and public health scenarios. In Georgia, frequently the poorest counties are where some of the highest-radon test results are found.

Some highlights address testing rates associated with demographics, socioeconomics, health indicators, housing and literacy in order to find what determines and influences testing activities.

The study provides an understanding of radon messaging about public health implications of radon for policy makers and practitioners. Additionally, based on 49 socioeconomic and public health variables explored, outreach activities could be developed to increase testing rates and minimize the public health consequences of environmental radon.
.
Citation:
Indoor Air Radon Testing Rate and Its Relationships with Various Socioeconomic and Public Health Factors in Georgia, USA
Uttam Saha, Kushajveer Singh, Derek Cooper, Pamela Turner and Rebecca Cantrell
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2026, 23(4), 450; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph23040450
Published 4/1/26

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United States

Colorado: Building Technical Capacity Successes

Margaret Henderson — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 22:52:54 +0000

Colorado: Building Technical Capacity Successes Margaret Henderson Wed, 06/17/2026 - 18:52

Colorado: Building Technical Capacity Successes

By Margaret Horton

The Colorado Radon Program awards pass-through grants to local public health agencies and other non-profit organizations in Colorado to conduct local radon outreach and education. Over the past few years, 11 local public health staff across 7 counties have used their grant funding to complete NRPP and NRSB certification in radon measurement. Establishing these credentials across local public health agencies ensures that more Coloradans have access to high-quality, objective radon measurement information.

In addition to simply providing high-quality radon education to residents, real estate agents, and other local constituents, some of these local public health radon measurement professionals directly apply their knowledge and training by conducting radon measurement on behalf of the public. Through this project, schools, child care facilities, and local government buildings have been tested for radon.

Margaret Horton, MPH
Program Coordinator
Colorado Radon Program

303.692.2422 | margaret.horton@state.co.us | www.coloradoradon.info

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United States

California Radon Program Initiates Library Participating in Providing Free Access to Digital Radon Monitors

Margaret Henderson — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 01:32:05 +0000

California Radon Program Initiates Library Participating in Providing Free Access to Digital Radon Monitors Margaret Henderson Wed, 06/03/2026 - 21:32

California Radon Program Initiates Library Participating in Providing Free Access to Digital Radon Monitors

From an interview with Dale Parks, State Radon Officer, CDHP Indoor Radon Program

In this its first year of the program development, already around 300 libraries have received the digital radon monitors, which is approximately 26% of the 1100 libraries in California. Of those, around 200 are ready to check out monitors to the public. Dale’s goal is to have 600 signed on by the end of May of 2027. Dedicating a significant portion of the state’s SIRG funds to this initiative, 1300 monitors have been purchased and outreach activities begun promoting the initiative.

The idea for a Library Lending Program of Radon Monitors was something Dale credits the Kentucky Radon Program for inspiring. To promote the program, Dale has developed a 20-slide presentation and presented to the monthly Library Directors’ Meeting, with his message reaching 60 to 70 directors three months ago. In total, he has presented to 172 directors over time.

In 2027, the program will operate in full force and in January 2028, Dale will have reporting data to analyze and share, demonstrating the reach and success of the initiative.

To solicit participating, he has sent the following email message to library directors in California.

Subject: Enhancing Community Safety: Free Radon Test Cubes for libraries in California

Dear Library Director,

My name is Dale Parks, and I serve as the State Radon Officer for the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Indoor Radon Program. I am reaching out to invite your library system to participate in a statewide initiative to provide residents with free access to digital radon monitors.
We are currently offering

Ecosense EcoBlu radon test cubes
to California public libraries at no cost. These digital devices are ideal for a "Library of Things" collection because they require no calibration, can last for ten years or more, and provide residents with real-time, easy-to-read results. No data is stored and there is no wifi or app usage. You simply plug them in and there is a number given for real time, daily, weekly, and monthly monitoring.

Why Participate?
Radon is an invisible, odorless radioactive gas and the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers. By lending these monitors, your library can empower residents to identify and mitigate this health risk in their own homes.

Several California libraries have already successfully launched this program, including:
• Lake County Library
(Christopher Veach, Director: 707-263-8816)
• https://www.cityoflakeport.com/news_detail_T14_R737.php
• Alpine County Library
• https://www.mendolibrary.org/borrow/library-of-things/radon-detectors
• Colusa County Free Library
• Del Norte County Library District
• Banning Library District
• https://www.suttercounty.org/government/county-departments/library
•
Resources to Get You Started:
To make integration as seamless as possible, we have provided the following resources:

1. Step-by-Step Guide to using the EcoBlu Radon test cube (attached)
https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0106/9911/2511/files/How_To_Test_Your_Home_For_Radon_Gas_With_Eco…

2. OCLC record for the test cube monitor (created by Lake County Library - Christopher Veach, County Librarian | Director, 707-263-8816 – he also authored attached press release template)
https://search.worldcat.org/en/title/1527927892

3. Article in Lake County News, 23July2025 – Lake County Library launches free radon detector loan program to promote home safety
https://lakeconews.com/news/community/82186-lake-county-library-launches-free-radon-detector-loan-p…

4. Video about how radon technology works (Radon eco-cube being given to the libraries)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q407wTqCHaA

How to Request Your Devices:
If you are interested in receiving free radon test cubes for your branches, please simply reply to this email with the number of units you would like to request and your shipping address. I can go in person and demonstrate how they work . I am also giving away radon single use charcoal test kits and some magnets promoting Radon testing.

Thank you for your commitment to the health and safety of your community. I look forward to the possibility of working with you.

Sincerely,
Dale Parks
State Radon Officer
CDPH Indoor Radon Program
916-210-8558 Desk
916-925-1111 Cell

Mailing Address
California Department of Public Health
Indoor Radon Program
P.O. Box 997377, MS 7405, IMS K-2
Sacramento, CA 95899-7377

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United States

Nevada’s Cancer Plan 2026 – 2030 Aims to Reduce Cancer by Reducing Exposure to Radon

Margaret Henderson — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 19:27:30 +0000

Nevada’s Cancer Plan 2026 – 2030 Aims to Reduce Cancer by Reducing Exposure to Radon Margaret Henderson Mon, 06/01/2026 - 15:27

Nevada’s Cancer Plan 2026 – 2030 Aims to Reduce Cancer by Reducing Exposure to Radon

Nevada’s recent cancer plan for 2026-2030 focuses on radon exposure as a direct link to cancer and lists goals for reducing radon exposures. Chris Kelly, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension – Radon Education Program, was a contributor to the plan.

The plan notes progress was achieved on the 2021-2025 goal of increasing testing, mitigation and building radon-resistant homes. The Plan for 2026 explains radon risks in a section on Environmental Exposure. Radon levels by county are shown, using data from the NV Radon Education Program.

In the section on Prevention: Goal – Prevent Cancer by Reducing Exposures to Risk Factors, the plan states direct environmental risks include radon.

The section on Prevention: Reduce Radon Exposure includes actions such as:
• Partnering and outreach
• Training
• Expanding testing
• Expanding radon education into broader public health initiatives
• Promoting certification programs
• Collecting and publishing radon data

One target indicator is for homes mitigated. The baseline is 2814 and the target is 3800. Other indicators include number of homes tested and also radon-resistant new construction goals.

See the plan at https://www.nevadacancercoalition.org/sites/default/files/2026-01/NCC_240074_2026%20Cancer%20Plan-D…

Locations

United States

New 2026—2030 Colorado Cancer Plan Includes Radon

Margaret Henderson — Tue, 26 May 2026 23:06:13 +0000

New 2026—2030 Colorado Cancer Plan Includes Radon Margaret Henderson Tue, 05/26/2026 - 19:06

Colorado Cancer Coalition’s new 2026—2030 Colorado Cancer Plan has eight goals to reduce cancer risk and improve care statewide. Radon is addressed in Goal 5 - Decrease Environmental Exposures That Lead to Cancer.

The Environmental Exposures section of the plan explains what radon is and that “It is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States and the leading cause for people who don’t smoke.” The section encourages testing your home to know if radon is present.

Noting that 54.8 % of adults had tested their home for radon as of 2020, the new plan encourages more testing and mitigating high levels of radon in order to keep Colorado families safe. The Plan notes that “This work includes educating residents, builders, and local leaders about radon risks, supporting safe building practices, and making testing and repair help available, especially for families with fewer resources.”

Environmental factors, such as radon and air quality, continue to affect cancer risk and disproportionately impact certain communities in Colorado. The Plan goes on the explain that “Colorado is a hot spot for radon.” With 81% of Colorado counties falling into the highest-risk category for radon, the plan states that every home in Colorado should be tested, no matter the county or the age of the house.

Objective 5.1 is to “Increase home radon testing.” Steps include:
• Educate Colorado residents and policymakers about the hazards of radon exposure, and the
• importance of radon testing and mitigation using credentialed radon service providers who follow consensus standards of practice.
• Educate builders, code officials, city councils and county commissioners on the hazards of radon exposure and the importance of adopting radon-resistant new construction building codes.
• Support environmental equity through radon education, free radon testing, and the Low-Income Radon Mitigation Assistance directed at under-resourced communities.
• Provide radon education to the medical community, childcare facilities, and schools.

Highlighted in the plan is the Colorado Radon Program:

The Colorado Radon Program at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) works to reduce the risk of radon-related lung cancer in Colorado. The program focuses on increasing awareness of radon and encouraging radon testing by providing free and low-cost test kits to Colorado households. More than 12,500 free radon test kits were distributed to Colorado residents in early 2025. If elevated radon levels are found in a home, CDPHE’s Low Income Radon Mitigation Assistance Program can cover the cost of a radon mitigation system for qualified homeowners, making radon risk reduction accessible to more Coloradans. The mitigation assistance program is unique to Colorado and is not commonly available in other states. The Radon Mitigation Assistance Program also provides grants to support awareness, testing, and mitigation at the community level.

See the plan at https://coloradocancercoalition.org/colorado-cancer-plan/

Locations

United States

An Update from the Utah Radon Program at the Department of Environmental Quality

Margaret Henderson — Tue, 26 May 2026 20:03:10 +0000

An Update from the Utah Radon Program at the Department of Environmental Quality Margaret Henderson Tue, 05/26/2026 - 16:03

An Update from the Utah Radon Program at the Department of Environmental Quality

From Eleanor Divver, Utah Radon Coordinator

The second half of this year will be a busy one with several radon activities and initiatives upcoming. A few are:
• The NRAP in-person meeting will be in Washington, D.C. and Eleanor will be attending the third week of June.
• The CRCPD E-25 Committee Radon is meeting in Lansing, Michigan in July.
• The IEA Symposium is in October.
• The Utah Radon Program is preparing for the Radon Poster Contest, which starts in August.

Recently Eleanor I gave a radon webinar to charter and private schools, which was an interesting opportunity for radon outreach. There was a great turnout and many of those schools are now testing for radon and requesting the Program’s testing services.

For more information on any of these topics, contact:

Eleanor Divver | Small Business Assistance | Radon Coordinator
Phone: 801.536.0091
SBEAP.Utah.Gov | Radon.Utah.Gov

Locations

United States

Wyoming Radon Monitor Library Lending Program

Margaret Henderson — Tue, 26 May 2026 20:02:23 +0000

Wyoming Radon Monitor Library Lending Program

Margaret Henderson Tue, 05/26/2026 - 16:02

Wyoming Radon Monitor Library Lending Program

The Wyoming Department of Health Radon Program has made home radon monitors available for check out at participating libraries in the state. The radon monitors provide both a short-term and long-term average radon level readings. An online map shows the libraries that are participating and provides the name, address, telephone number and website.

The announcement includes a link to Advisory from The Conference of Radiation Control Program Directors, Inc. regarding the use of continuous digital radon monitors. See the advisory at https://crcpd.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/25-4-Radon-Testing-with-CDRMs.pdf

See the map at https://health.wyo.gov/publichealth/cancer-and-chronic-disease-prevention-unit/cancer/radon/radonmo…

Locations

United States