Simsbury Sixth-Grader Second In National Radon Poster Contest

SIMSBURY, CT – A sixth-grader from Simsbury was among the nation's best in a poster contest urging awareness of radon safety.

Resident Conor Hefferon, a student at Central School in Simsbury, took home second-place honors as part of the American Lung Association and the Conference of Radiation Control Program Directors 2023 National Radon Poster and Video Contest.

The contest is held each year across the nation to raise awareness of radon gas, the second-leading cause of lung cancer.

Children ages 9-14 were eligible to participate in the poster contest and high school students were eligible to participate in the video contest to promote radon awareness.

Conor's award came with a $300 prize, with the winning poster earning $1,000 for a Minnesota student and third-place netting $200 for the Iowa pupil.

A video winner was also named, with an Illinois student earning $1,000.

The goal of the contest is to raise awareness about a potentially deadly gas, which is naturally occurring, that many might not realize is accumulating in their home.

Radon is caused by the decomposition of radioactive elements deep underground and, when it seeps into a basement and/or home, it can lead to health troubles.

And since it has no color or odor, it is frequently not detected unless found via special detection devices.

"Radon causes 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year. These deaths are preventable, and there is an urgent need to raise awareness of the simple steps that can be taken to reduce radon exposure," said Deb Brown, chief mission officer of the Lung Association. "The Lung Association is proud of its efforts to raise awareness of radon gas, including engaging communities through the 2023 National Radon Poster and Video Contest."

Radon gas is found in all 50 states.

For questions about radon or to test your home, visit Lung.org/radon or contact the American Lung Association at 1-800-325-1245