MONROE — The Healthy Homes Month campaign is meant to raise awareness of how people’s health can be impacted by their home. 

The environment people live in, including their home, has a significant impact on health. Millions of U.S. homes have moderate to severe physical problems like high radon levels, lead, water leaks, mold, water contamination, dilapidated structures, pests, and other issues. These conditions are associated with a wide range of health issues, including unintentional injuries, respiratory illnesses like asthma and radon-induced lung cancer, and lead poisoning. The health and economic burdens from preventable hazards associated with homes are considerable and cost billions of dollars. 

One of Green County Public Health’s (GCPH) program areas is Environmental Health. The GCPH office offers several services related to preventing and improving issues related healthy homes. 

The department offers radon test kits free of charge for Green County residents. Radon is an odorless, colorless gas that can enter people’s homes through cracks in their foundations, spaces around pipes, or dirt floor basements. With long-term exposure, radon can cause lung cancer. Community members can pick up a radon test kit from the GCPH office during regular business hours from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

GCPH also offers well water test kits for private well owners in Green County. Unlike people who have municipal water, private well owners are responsible for testing their own water. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services recommends that well owners test their well water every year. Well water can become contaminated with bacteria, nitrate, lead and other materials. The test kit is free; individuals only pay for shipping and the price of lab testing at UW-Stevens Point. 

To learn more about these test kits or to schedule a time to pick up a test kit, contact GCPH at (608) 328-9390 or info@greencountywi.org.

GCPH also partners with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services on the Lead Safe Homes Grant. The grant may cover the cost of removing lead hazards from a home for individuals who own or rent a property where children reside or spend time. Several homes in Green County have been made lead-safe under this grant opportunity. To learn more about this program or to see eligibility, visit the WI DHS website at https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/publications/p02729.pdf.

Additional actions that homeowners can take to maintain the health of their home include:

●  Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors (change batteries every 6 months).

●  Turn on the bathroom fan while taking a bath or shower.

●  Check the air filter and replace if necessary. (Replace every 3 months).

●  Clean gutters of leaves and debris.

●  Clean the kitchen exhaust fan and filter.

●  Inspect screens and replace any that have holes.

●  Inspect the roof for cracks, leaks, or broken shingles/tiles.

For more information, visit the Wisconsin Department of Health Services website at https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/environmental/safe-home.htm. To stay up-to-date on all things related to Green County Public Health, visit gcpublichealth.org.