ST. GEORGE – Three students from Fossil Ridge Intermediate School are receiving accolades from the Utah Department of Environmental Quality for their artistic work in the 2017 National Radon Poster Contest.
Sofia Hancock, a seventh-grader, is one of five Utah student winners for the nationwide contest that attracted over 500 entries from within the state.
Posters were created to illustrate the dangers of radon, where it comes from, how it gets into our homes and how residents can test their homes for this invisible, radioactive gas.
Hancock will receive $100 for her winning poster and her school – Fossil Ridge Intermediate – will also receive a $100 award.
During January’s Radon Awareness Month, Hancock will also have the opportunity to meet Gov. Gary Herbert, according to a press release issued by David Heaton, public information officer for the Southwest Utah Public Health Department.
Utah students, ages 9-18, rose to the challenge of educating their communities about radon through art.
The poster contest is a great way to bring awareness and educate the public about the dangers of radon gas, the second leading cause of lung cancer.
The creative artwork was displayed on DEQ’s website for public voting from Oct. 23 through Nov. 1, 2016. Hancock had already taken first place in the Southwest Utah Region for her poster entry.
Amy Reveal took 2nd place (also receiving an Honorable Mention at the state level), and Gabrielle Lewis took 3rd. All Regional winners this year attend Fossil Ridge Intermediate.
DEQ’s Indoor Radon Program helps to reduce the level of indoor radon in Utah buildings and residences. DEQ staff provides education through public outreach to community groups, schools, real estate professionals, builders, as well as individualized assistance to homeowners and public agencies concerning all aspects of the indoor radon hazard problem.
To get more information about radon test kits and mitigation, and to view all winning posters from the contest, visit www.radon.utah.gov.
About DEQ
Established in 1991, the Utah Department of Environmental Quality’s (DEQ) mission is to safeguard public health and quality of life by protecting and enhancing the environment. DEQ implements state and federal environmental laws and works with individuals, community groups and businesses to protect the quality of Utah’s air, land and water.
For more information, visit the DEQ online, follow DEQ on Facebook (utahdeq) and Twitter (UtahDEQ), or call the Utah radon information hotline at 1-800-458-0145.
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