Radon
The Health Hazard in Your Home With a Simple Solution
Radon is a radioactive and odorless gas that comes from trace amounts of natural uranium in the ground. Breathing indoor air with high levels of radon can lead to lung cancer. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that radon causes several thousands of preventable lung cancer deaths each year.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), radon is the number one cause of lung cancer among non-smokers. Radon causes approximately 21,000 lung cancer deaths per year. Testing for radon within your home is the easiest way to prevent this health risk. It is vital to not only your health, but the health of your family as well. Attention needs to be drawn to this health hazard to protect families against the dangerous side effects of long term exposure.
Take Action
The Kenosha County Division of Health urges Kenosha and Walworth County residents to take action during 2017 and test their homes for radon. Testing is easy, and if high levels are found, the remedy is generally not very complicated. A radon mitigation system can be built into new homes to avoid a build of radon gas within the home. It is crucial to take preventative measures to protect you and your family.
Test Kits
The Kenosha County Division of Health has radon test kits available at a reduced cost of $15.00 per test kit which includes laboratory processing, evaluation, and postage. Test kits can be purchased in person at the following locations:
- Kenosha County Division of Health at 8600 Sheridan Road, Suite 600 Kenosha, WI 53143
- Walworth County Health Department at 1910 County Road NN Elkhorn, WI 53121
The Kenosha County Division of Health has certified radon specialists who can interpret test results, and advise residents on reducing harmful radon levels.
Fixing Problems
Radon problems can be fixed by qualified contractors for a cost similar to that for many common home repairs such as painting or having a new water heater installed. Email requests for radon information, radon questions and/or test kit ordering can also be made to by email or call (262) 605-6745.
For a complete list of Certified Contractors, visit the Wisconsin Department of Health Services
Helpful Tools
- U.S. EPA Radon Information
- A Citizen’s Guide to Radon
- Home Buyers Guide to Radon
- Home Buyers Guide to Radon (Spanish)
- Radon FAQs
- Radon 101 DHS Informational Video
- Dangers of Radon Video
Contact Us
Contact us at [email protected] or 262-605-6591.