Kenosha County Public Health providing $5 radon test kits with a nonperishable food donation • Kenosha County, WI

Kenosha County Public Health is taking significant strides in promoting public well-being this January during Radon Action Month. In a commendable initiative, the department is offering $5 radon test kits to residents who donate a nonperishable food item. This dual-purpose campaign not only encourages homeowners to check for radon levels but also fosters community support by contributing to local food pantries.

### Understanding Radon and Its Risks

Radon is a colorless, odorless radioactive gas that occurs naturally from the decay of uranium in soil, rock, and water. While it is present in outdoor air, radon levels can become concentrated in homes, particularly in basements or ground floors. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, contributing to nearly 20,000 deaths each year. Given these alarming statistics, awareness and testing are essential in mitigating the risk associated with this deadly gas.

Mark Melotik, Environmental Manager with Kenosha County Public Health, emphasizes the importance of testing: “The only way to know you have it in your home is to test. Our Radon Action Month promotion offers the opportunity to do that while also helping people in need in the community.” This initiative promotes both health and humanity, creating a win-win situation for participants.

### Testing Procedure

The radon test kits are available for $5 through the entire month of January, with a limit of one kit per person. After January, the price will increase to $20, making this promotion not just beneficial for health but also financially advantageous during the colder months when radon levels can be higher.

The testing kit comes equipped with everything needed to assess radon levels in a home. Inside the kit, users find a vial that must remain open to ambient air for a period of 48 to 96 hours, typically placed in the lowest livable level of the home. Once the exposure period is over, the vial is capped and mailed to Accustar Labs for analysis. Homeowners can expect results swiftly—typically within three days—delivered via mail, email, or phone. Both the shipping and analysis are complimentary, making it easy for residents to engage in this crucial health check.

### What Happens if Radon Levels are Elevated?

For those who receive results indicating elevated radon levels, Kenosha County Public Health provides guidelines and resources for mitigation. Mitigation can involve various methods centered around reducing radon levels, such as increasing ventilation and sealing cracks in floors and walls or installing a radon mitigation system. Residents are encouraged to reach out to local health officials for assistance in addressing high radon levels, ensuring that families can live in safer environments.

### Supporting Local Food Pantries

The additional layer to this offer—donating nonperishable food items—addresses food insecurity in the community. Donations collected during this campaign will support local food pantries, which have seen increased demand, especially in the wake of economic challenges exacerbated by the pandemic. This community-centric approach amplifies the impact of the program, fostering a sense of solidarity among residents while promoting public health.

### Accessibility of Test Kits

Residents of Kenosha County can redeem these test kits Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Kenosha County Public Health Clinic, located in the Job Center at 8600 Sheridan Road, Entrance D. Additionally, they can visit the Department of Public Works in the Kenosha County Center at highways 45 and 50 in Bristol from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. These accessible locations ensure that all residents have a convenient way to participate in this initiative.

For more information about the Radon Information Center and tips on testing and mitigation, individuals are encouraged to visit the Kenosha County Public Health website. The center acts as a resource hub, offering guidance and expertise in navigating radon-related concerns.

### Conclusion

Kenosha County Public Health’s initiative to provide $5 radon test kits in exchange for nonperishable food donations is a powerful model of how health promotion and community support can intersect. As radon remains a silent threat in many homes, this program not only raises awareness about the dangers of radon exposure but also encourages proactive measures to ensure the safety of residents.

Moreover, by contributing to local food pantries, the initiative recognizes and addresses broader community needs, reminding us that public health is connected to social well-being. Residents are urged to take advantage of this limited-time offer to test their homes for radon while joining in an effort to alleviate food insecurity in their neighborhoods. Community engagement is essential in both keeping homes safe from radon and fostering a supportive environment for those in need, making this campaign a commendable effort by Kenosha County Public Health.

Source link