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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 20, 2009 |
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Denver Student Wins Honors in Statewide Radon Poster ContestDENVER— A Colorado Academy School student won a first place statewide award in the Colorado Radon Poster Contest. Eric Bear is a student of science teacher Chris Hertig. The National Safety Council sponsored the annual national contest in conjunction with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Additional information for the poster contest is on the National Safety Council’s Web site at www.sosradon.org. “The state health department joins Eric in urging Coloradans to test their homes for radon,” said Chrystine Kelley, radon program coordinator for the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. “It’s easy to do, and it’s the only sure way to tell whether or not your home is affected by radon, which occurs naturally in the soil.” Two Windsor Middle School students won the second and third place statewide awards in the contest. Brady Bowman won the second place award and Sarah Dannettell took third place. Both are students of science teacher Brent Carmichael. Long-term exposure to radon – a colorless, odorless, tasteless radioactive gas – is the most frequent cause of lung cancer in non-smokers and the second leading cause of lung cancer in smokers. Exposure to radon is responsible for approximately 21,000 lung cancer deaths in the United States each year. Discount coupons for radon test kits are available at www.coloradoradon.info. The Web site also includes a link to a public information video, a list of certified contractors and other resources. People without web access can call the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s Radon Hotline at 1-800-846-3986. Colorado residents also can check with their local health department, county extension office or public health nurses for radon information. ---30--- |
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