Get Your Home Tested for Radon

November 2, 2018
Shayna Dye
Environmental Health Manager
 (608) 355-3290

Get Your Home Tested for Radon

Have you had your home tested for Radon? What is Radon? Radon is an invisible, odorless, naturally occurring, radioactive gas that seeps through the ground and the foundation of buildings.

Exposure to radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S., killing 25,000 people each year. Effects from radon do not happen overnight and there are no immediate symptoms of exposure. Lung cancer develops from radon exposure over a long period, so catching a problem early can prevent future lung cancer.

Radon gas comes from the decay of Uranium, which is common in Wisconsin soils. Radon gas can get through cracks, crevices, and pores in the foundation of your home. Radon gas is typically at a higher concentration in the lower levels of a building. 

Buildings of any age or geographic location can have elevated radon levels. Radon levels vary greatly in neighboring homes, so relying on a neighbor’s radon test is insufficient to determine your home’s radon level. 

Fortunately, it is easy and inexpensive to test for radon in your home. The goal of testing is to make an informed decision about radon mitigation and there is no requirement to mitigate your home if the results are high. The Sauk County Health Department (SCHD) has radon kits available for purchase at various locations listed below. These short-term test kits determine the radon level over a 48 hour period and costs $10.00. 

SCHD is the radon information center for Sauk and Columbia Counties. We have multiple staff members trained in radon measurement and mitigation who are qualified to answer your questions regarding radon. Please contact us at 608-355-3290 or visit www.lowradon.org for more information.

The radon test kits are available for purchase at the following locations:

Sauk County Health Department - West Square Building, Baraboo
Lake Delton Village Offices - 50 Wisconsin Dells Pkwy South
Reedsburg City Hall - 134 S. Locust St
Spring Green Village Offices - 154 N Lexington Street
Prairie Du Sac Village Office - 335 Galena Street
Columbia County - USPS delivery for $13.00, please call SCHD 608-355-3290