SCDES Encourages Students to Get Creative for Annual Radon Poster Contest

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 

August 27, 2026

COLUMBIA, S.C. —The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) is inviting students across the state to put their creativity to work while helping raise awareness about radon by participating in the annual South Carolina Radon Poster Contest. 

The contest is open to South Carolina students ages 9-14 and encourages participants to create original artwork that helps educate others about radon, its potential health risks and the importance of testing homes for the gas. Educators and families are encouraged to help eligible students participate. 

Radon is a colorless, odorless and tasteless radioactive gas that occurs naturally from the breakdown of uranium in soil, rock and water. It can enter homes through cracks and openings in foundations, construction joints and around plumbing. Long-term exposure to radon can pose serious health risks, and radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. 

Because radon cannot be seen, smelled or tasted, testing is the only way to know whether elevated levels are present in a home. SCDES offers free radon test kits to help South Carolinians better understand radon levels where they live. Information about requesting a free test kit, along with an instructional video explaining how to use it, is available at des.sc.gov/radon. 

The annual poster contest gives students an opportunity to creatively share what they learn about radon and help spread an important public health message in their communities. 

Gift card prizes ranging from $50 to $150 will be awarded to the top contest winners. Entries must be submitted to the South Carolina Radon Program by Oct. 31, 2026. For complete eligibility requirements, poster guidelines, judging criteria and submission information, visit des.sc.gov/radon. 

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