Environmental Health Hazards & Air Quality

Air Quality

Air quality plays an important role in our health. Common indoor air quality issues include carbon monoxide, molds, radon, asbestos, and formaldehyde. Common outdoor air quality issues include smoke, industrial emissions, allergens, and ozone. Read more on common air quality contaminants below.

Hazards 

Lead
The Environmental Health Department works in conjunction with Public Health Nursing to assess and provide information to home owners who may have lead paint in their homes.  It is very important to prevent exposure to lead often found in the paint in older homes. It is especially dangerous to pregnant women, infants, and children.  If you have a home built before 1978 and have questions about what to do to test for and/or reduce your families exposure to lead check some of the resources below or call the Public Health Department.

Radon

Radon is a naturally occurring form of radiation that occurs in different soil types throughout Wisconsin.  Radon is also the second highest cause of lung cancer, killing about 20,000 people a year. Radon is present, to some degree, in nearly every home.  Homes that test high in radon can be fixed to reduce radon to safe levels. For more information please visit our Radon Page. 

What is mold?

Molds reproduce from tiny spores. Mold spores waft through the indoor and outdoor air continually. When mold spores land on a damp spot indoors, they may begin growing and digesting whatever they are growing on in order to survive. When excessive moisture or water accumulates indoors, mold growth will often occur, particularly if the moisture problem remains undiscovered or un-addressed. The way to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture.

Testing for mold is generally not necessary.  If you can see and smell it, you have a mold problem.  However, it is recommended that you do a thorough inspection to determine the cause of mold growth.  If you are interested in hiring a specialist to conduct an indoor air quality investigation you can contact Wisconsin Focus on Energy Program and request a Home Performance with Energy Star inspection.  These specialists conduct indoor air quality (IAQ) investigations, and can determine when structural issues exist that may be causing mold problems (such as ice dams, moisture, and heating and cooling complaints)  They can help you understand why mold is growing in your home and what actions you will need to take to prevent growth.  Also you can contact a company that specializes in indoor air quality issues or a mold remediation contractor.  Click here for a list of consultants and contractors.

Occasionally, mold can be found in the bathroom, on a windowsill, shower curtain, or wall.  This mold can be wiped off the surface with a damp cloth and cleaning agent (e.g. window or bathroom cleaner).  Preventing mold growth requires controlling the moisture source.  This  may be as simple as using a dehumidifier or fixing a simple leak.  For larger mold problems (about 10 square feet), follow the three phases that are described in the Mold in your Home: Cleaning Options.