OLYMPIA, WA — Students across Washington, Idaho and Oregon are invited to take part in the 2026 Northwest Radon Poster Contest, an annual effort aimed at raising awareness about radon and the health risks associated with long-term exposure.

The contest, hosted during Radon Action Month, is organized by the Washington State Department of Health along with regional and tribal partners. It encourages students to learn about radon — a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can accumulate inside homes and buildings — and share that information through original artwork.

Radon cannot be seen, smelled or tasted, making testing the only way to detect it. Health officials say prolonged exposure can lead to lung cancer. Radon is considered the leading cause of lung cancer among people who do not smoke and the second leading cause overall.

Students between the ages of 9 and 14 are eligible to participate if they are enrolled in public, private or homeschool programs, or involved in groups such as scouting, art clubs, science programs or 4-H. Each student may submit one poster.

Entries must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on Feb. 28. State-level winners will be announced by March 31.

Prizes will be awarded to top entries in each state, with first-place winners receiving $100, second place $75 and third place $50. A regional grand prize of $300 will also be awarded, and first-place winners from each state will advance to the 2026 National Radon Poster Contest.

Additional contest rules, lesson materials and entry forms are available through the Northwest Radon Poster Contest website.

The contest is sponsored by multiple agencies and organizations, including the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, Oregon Health Authority, Coeur d’Alene Tribe, Nez Perce Tribe, Spokane Tribe of Indians, the Northwest Radon Coalition and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 10 .