The Washington State Department of Health has recognized the fresh faces of radon awareness, crowning the young winners of the 2024 Northwest Radon Poster Contest. The competition, which aims to illuminate the dangers of the silent killer in our basements, showcased the creative chops of kids ranging from nine to fourteen. Gary Garrety, Radon Program Director at the DOH, said in a statement, "We appreciate each student who participated. Every submission helped make this year’s contest a success. Special thanks to the teachers, youth groups, and families who supported their youth’s participation," according to the Washington State Department of Health.

Art and science converged as radon specialists pored over the vibrant entries judging not just artistic flare, but accuracy and visual impact, the sleek designs are not just for show, as they offer life-saving messages in a medium that's digestible for folks at every level and the posters’ parade of information could be the difference between detection and disaster. On the radon front, Lin Spichiger, a 10-year-old from Shelton, snagged first place honor and the regional grand prize, with Daphne Sayigh, 11, and Vivian Truitt, 11, both hailing from Seattle, clinching second and third places, respectively, as reported by the Washington State Department of Health.

The winners' masterpieces have secured a spot on the national stage, as the first-place poster from Washington, along with its winning peers from other states, will advance to the 2025 National Radon Poster Contest, Washingtonians who are curious to feast their eyes on these award-winning posters can find them displayed on the state's radon poster webpage.