Radon test kits are available from county

Radon test kits are available through the Washington Ozaukee Public Health Department.

Radon, a naturally occurring odorless, colorless gas found in rock and soil, is the second leading cause of lung cancer. It can enter a house whether it is old or new, drafty or well-sealed and built on a basement or a slab. The only way to know if you have high levels of radon in your home is through testing.

Once a homeowner opens the kit, they are to leave it for two days, then mail it to the lab for analysis.

If a homeowner chooses to have a mitigation system installed, it is recommended that the system be installed by a certified mitigation professional.

Residents may bring a non-perishable food item that has not expired to the health department in exchange for a free short-term test kit. One discounted test kit is allowed per household, and postage is not included in the kit.

Without a food donation, a short-term test kit will cost $7 and long-term test kit will cost $20.

All items collected during outreach events will be donated to a local food bank.

Certified environmental health staff members will hand out kits and answer questions from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fridays, Jan. 12 and 19, at the Ozaukee and Washington county health department offices.

  The Port Washington office is at 121 W. Main St. and the West Bend location at 333 E. Washington St.

Kits and information will also be provided from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Jan. 26, at the Village of Jackson Municipal Complex, N168 W19851 Main St.

  More information as well as a list of certified radon contractors can be found at www.lowradon.org.

Certified environmental health staff members are also  available at (262) 335- 4462 or (262) 284-8170 to answer radon questions.