SPRINGFIELD, ILL. (AP) -- State officials have launched a video contest encouraging high school students to talk about the hazards of radon.

The Illinois Emergency Management Agency launched the "2010 Illinois High School Radon Video Contest" this week.

To enter, students must submit one-minute YouTube videos about  the radioactive gas that contributes to more than 1,000 lung cancer deaths in Illinois each year.

IEMA director Andrew Valasquez says the contest is a creative way for reaching more people with that message.

The winner's school will get a $2,000 prize to be used for extracurricular activities and the winning student will get $1,000.

January is Radon Action Month.

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