FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 13, 2014

Contact: Communications Office
(850) 245-4111

TALLAHASSEE—The Florida Department of Health congratulates John Quintero, a student at Hollywood Academy of Arts and Science in Hollywood for winning the 2014 Florida State Radon Poster Contest. His winning poster is titled “Don't Let Radon Be Inside of You”. The second place winner was Luciana Villalobos from Falcon Cove Middle School, Weston, with her poster “Radon”. Third place was awarded to Isabella Alvarez from Hollywood Academy of Arts and Science, Hollywood, with her poster “Protect Your Kids from Radon.” The contest was held to highlight the risks posed by exposure to indoor radon and to encourage radon testing and mitigation.

Florida’s winning posters were entered into the National Radon Poster Contest, which is sponsored by the National Radon Program Services and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. John Quintero was also a top ten finalist in the national contest among 4,270 nationwide entries from students 9–14 years of age.

“These students took time to learn about radon and educate their fellow Floridians about the health hazards posed by it. I am amazed by their efforts.” said Dr. Anna Likos, Director, Division of Disease Control and Health Protection.

Radon is a naturally occurring, odorless, colorless, and tasteless radioactive gas found in Florida and all over the United States. Nationally, an average of 1 out of 15 homes has elevated radon and in Florida, radon is elevated in about 1 out of 5 homes. Radon problems are found in all regions of Florida and in all types of residences whether they are old or new, a one-story house, or a 20-story condominium. Radon gas decays into radioactive particles that enter your lungs when you breathe and may damage lung tissue, possibly leading to lung cancer. Radon is the number one cause of lung cancer in non-smokers, and the second leading cause of lung cancer after cigarette smoking. About 21,000 Americans die each year from radon-induced lung cancer.

The level of radon exposure in homes, schools and other buildings can be determined through an easy and effective test. If elevated levels are detected, proven mitigation techniques can be used to lower the radon levels. For information on how to test your home or on hiring state-certified radon measurement professionals, contact the Florida Radon Program at 800-543-8279 or visit www.floridahealth.gov/healthy-environments/radon/.

Florida winners will be posted on the Department website, and poster winners from all states are available for viewing at the National Radon Program Services’ website, www.sosradon.org. The Department thanks the students who participated and their parents, sponsors and teachers.

The Department works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.