Home Safety
Lead
Do you live in a home built before 1978? Do you have children ages 6 years or younger living in your home? They may be at risk for lead poisoning!
Symptoms
- Stomachache, Cramps
- Irritability
- Fatigue
- Frequent Vomiting
- Constipation
- Headache
- Sleep Disorders
- Poor Appetite
- Clumsiness
- Weakness
- Loss of recently learned skills
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Effects
- Damage to nervous system, including the brain
- Interference with growth
- Harm Hearing
- Lower IQ Levels
- Make Learning Difficult
- Increased Excitability
- Decrease Concentration
- Coma
- Convulsions
- Death
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The Health Department has three Nurses trained to be Lead Sampling Technicians. In a 15 to 30 minute visit the nurse will take test samples using a wipe. This wipe will not harm any surfaces. Samples are then sent to the State Lab. The Health Department will receive the lab results in 2-3 weeks. Information will be given to clients who have high lead tests on how to properly remove/cover lead paint.
It is also recommended that children who may be at risk for exposure to lead have blood lead levels drawn at ages 1 year and 2 years. This can be done by your child’s physician.
For more information on having your home tested for lead please contact the Health Department at 715-743-5105.
Or visit: http://dhs.wisconsin.gov/lead/doc/ParentsLeadEng.pdf
Water
People living in rural areas and receive their drinking water from private wells should have their water tested for bacteria and nitrates.
This is especially important for families with pregnant mothers or with children under the age of 6 months. High levels of nitrates in drinking water may cause a condition called Blue Baby syndrome:
Cause
- Excessive nitrates in drinking water
- Nitrate is a chemical found in most fertilizers, manure and liquid waste discharged from septic tanks
Effect
- An illness that arises when an infant’s blood is unable to carry enough oxygen to body cells and tissue
- An infant with moderate to serious "blue baby syndrome" may have a brownish-blue skin tone due to lack of oxygen
- Child may be fussy, tired, have diarrhea or vomiting
- Severe cases can cause death
If your baby has a brownish-blue skin tone, take him/her to a hospital immediately
Well water may also be contaminated with high levels of bacteria. These bacteria may cause:
- Skin rash
- Nervous system toxicity
- Cancer
- Circulatory system effects
- Kidney disorders
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- Liver disorders
- Gastrointestinal illness
- Skeletal and dental disturbances
- Staining of laundry
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Radon
What is radon?
Radon is an invisible and odorless gas that comes from deposits of uranium naturally deposited in soil, rock and water. It disperses harmlessly outdoors, but can threaten human health when accumulating in buildings.
How does radon get into homes?
Radon seeps through cracks in the foundation, floors or walls, hollow block walls, windows, doors, and openings around floor drains, pipes and sump pumps.
What are the effects of Radon?
Long-term exposure to Radon may cause lung cancer. This risk is increased if the person being exposed is a smoker or is exposed to second-hand smoke.
Fixing the Problem
It has been shown that sealing foundation cracks and other openings does NOT lower the levels of radon. Installing a system of pipes and a fan are strongly recommended by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The average cost for a contractor to lower radon levels in a home is about $1,000. Prices may range from $500-$2,500. Factors such as the age of the home may affect the price.
Find out if your home is safe
The Clark County Health Department has Radon testing kits available for $6. Please call Sue Backaus-RN at 715-743-5113 for more information.
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