Health Department Urges Residences To Test For Radon

The Fond du Lac County Health Department is urging residents to test their homes for increased Radon levels this month.

The department says Radon exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer overall and leading cause of lung cancer for non-smokers, estimating that 1 in 10 homes in Wisconsin have high radon levels.

Radon is a naturally occurring gas in Wisconsin soils and is responsible for an estimated 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

Radon gas moves freely through soil and up to the surface where it is safely diluted in the air. However, when radon enters a building it can become concentrated and reach unhealthy levels.

Radon can enter a building through cracks and openings in the foundation, floor and walls, sump pumps, plumbing, wiring, or ductwork.

In 2022, 43% of tests performed in Fond du Lac County had high levels of radon.

The only way to know if you have high radon levels is to test for it.

The Fond du Lac County Health Department will be offering free short-term radon test kits during the month of January. Limit one per household, while supplies last.

You can Pick up a kit on the 3rd floor of the Fond du Lac City County building at 160 S. Macy Street, Monday through Friday from 8 AM – 4:30 PM.