Here is a fun way to take action - on a national level - to raise awareness about a serious public health issue.
The U.S. EPA is sponsoring a contest inviting Americans to make informational videos to help spread the word about the risks of radon. They are looking for 30-60 second videos with the theme "Radon: Test, Fix, Save a Life" that encourage Americans to test their homes for radon, and fix the radon problem if they find one. Videos can be funny or serious, as long as they focus on the contest theme: “Radon: Test, Fix, Save a Life.”
The maker of the winning video will receive $2500 and have his or her video shown at the National Radon Training Conference in Las Vegas in September. Aspiring filmmakers can go to
www.radonvideocontest.com to find out more about radon and to enter the contest.
Here are a few quick facts about radon:
- The U.S. Surgeon General and EPA recommend every home be tested for radon.
- Exposure to indoor radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in America, claiming more than 20,000 lives annually – That’s more deaths each year than drunk driving, falls in the home, drowning, or home fires.
- Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that you can't see, smell, or taste.
- Radon "seeps" into homes through cracks or seams in the foundation and can build up to dangerous levels inside your home.
- The only way to know if you have a radon problem in your home is to test for it. Testing for radon is easy and inexpensive – short-term test kits are available at your local hardware store or online for $20 or less.
The deadline to enter video submissions is August 25, 2008.
Disclaimer: I work for the Cadmus Group, under contract with the EPA, supporting their work on indoor air quality and public health issues through outreach, communications, and marketing.
But I really believe in the value of this contest and the opportunity it offers! Email me at
kdietrich@cadmusgroup.comor call me directly at 703-247-6163 if you have any questions, suggestions, etc.
Best wishes,
Kat
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