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

4 Minute Read
Community & Culture

Expressions from the Front Lines: A Journey through the Toxic Drug Crisis is a unique art exhibition featuring the work of Interior Health Peers.

5 Minute Read
Community & Culture

4 Minute Read
Community & Culture

A new mural by artists Jorden and David Doody, and syilx artist Sheldon Louis in a courtyard in the McNair psychiatric unit supports wellness and recovery.

3 Minute Read
Community & Culture

Stefanie Elliott is driven by a desire to walk alongside people on their journey, help them rediscover their strengths and remind them recovery is possible.

4 Minute Read
Community & Culture

For Sarah Kozin, making a difference isn’t about being in the spotlight, but knowing that her work helps improve care for patients, families and communities.

4 Minute Read
Health & Wellness

Every year, we document our progress in delivering environmentally sustainable resilient health care in B.C. Meet the people behind the projects and programs.

STAY CONNECTED

Receive news and alert posts, and Stories@IH blog posts, right to your inbox!

mail