Students test their knowledge in first-ever radon skills contest

May 31, 2024
Colourful posters with four questions about radon were displayed in schools throughout the Interior Health region to promote the skills contest.

Four students have been selected as winners in BC Lung Foundation and Interior Health’s (IH) first-ever radon skill testing contest. First place and second place winners were chosen in each of grades 4–8 and grades 9–12 from across the IH region.

“The contest was designed to spark interest in science among young students, and to also promote awareness among teachers, staff, parents and guardians about the importance of testing for radon,” says Dr. Silvina Mema, deputy chief medical health officer. “Radon gas is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers and it’s commonly found in homes and buildings across the Interior region. Testing is the only way to know if radon is present.”

Colourful posters and letters were sent to schools, and the contest was advertised on BC Lung and IH’s websites. The contest was also featured in social media.

“We were thrilled that Interior Health is leading efforts to get schools tested. This contest was designed to be a springboard for building radon awareness with students’ families,” says Noah Quastel, director, law and policy, of the Healthy Indoor Environments program at the BC Lung Foundation. “I was amazed to see so many students take time to think about this important public health issue. The contest spread awareness throughout B.C.’s Southern Interior with tens of thousands of people seeing the posters and ads.”

Stories@IH

Read our latest stories

3 Minute Read
Health & Wellness

Learn how to protect yourself from respiratory illnesses like the flu (influenza), COVID-19 and RSV.

4 Minute Read
Community & Culture

Every Friday at Senpaq’cin School in Oliver, students from k-7 take part in Fire Fridays, a land-based program that connects syilx language, culture and food.

5 Minute Read
Community & Culture

Olivia Duncan is long-term care coordinator who started her health care journey as a teenager. She fell in love with the energy of the hospital & nursing staff.

2 Minute Read
Community & Culture

A partnership between School District 73, Thompson Rivers University and IH, HSA offers high school students an opportunity to explore careers in health care.

3 Minute Read
Community & Culture

The Interior Health (IH) Legal Substances Team and the YOUTHWISE Advisory Group are excited to launch IH’s annual youth poster contest

3 Minute Read
Community & Culture

Emily Davidson is continually reminded of her why and inspired by the resilience of patients, their families and her colleagues.

STAY CONNECTED

Receive news, alerts, public service announcements and articles right to your inbox.

mail