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Brown County Public Health offers free radon test kits

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Brown County Public Health Launches Free Radon Test Kit Distribution to Protect Residents

Green Bay, WI – September 17, 2025 – In a proactive effort to safeguard the health of its residents, Brown County’s Department of Public Health announced today that it will be distributing free radon test kits to homeowners across the county. The initiative, aimed at addressing the well‑known but often overlooked risk of radon exposure, will be available through local health department offices and partner community centers starting September 25.

What Is Radon and Why It Matters

Radon is a naturally occurring, colorless, odorless radioactive gas that is produced from the decay of uranium in soil, rock, and water. When it seeps into homes and buildings through cracks in foundations, floors, and walls, it can accumulate to dangerous levels. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking, responsible for more than 21,000 U.S. deaths annually.

Brown County’s geographic and geological makeup—particularly its proximity to the Green Bay basin and the underlying limestone formations—makes radon a significant concern. A 2024 survey by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services found that 17% of the county’s homes tested exceeded the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) action level of 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L). In many cases, residents were unaware of the risk until a health scare or a routine home inspection highlighted the problem.

How the Free Kit Program Works

Under the new program, residents can request a radon test kit by calling the county’s Public Health hotline at (920) 555‑0199 or by visiting the online portal at www.browncountyhealth.org/radon. The application process is straightforward: homeowners submit a brief form indicating their address, contact information, and whether they are a homeowner or renter. Once approved, the kit will be shipped directly to the homeowner’s mailbox at no cost.

The kit contains:

  1. A radon test cassette – designed to capture airborne radon for 48–72 hours.
  2. Detailed, bilingual instructions – explaining how to seal a room, place the cassette, and store it after use.
  3. A return mailing envelope – pre‑stamped for easy return to the county lab.
  4. Contact information – for any questions, including a 24/7 hotline.

After the test period, homeowners simply seal the cassette in the provided envelope and mail it back to the county’s radon testing laboratory. Results are typically available within 10–14 days, either via email or by phone call. If radon levels exceed the EPA’s action threshold, the department will schedule a follow‑up visit to discuss mitigation options, which may include installing a sub‑slab depressurization system or other professional remediation services.

“We’re making radon testing as easy and affordable as possible,” said Dr. Lisa Marquez, Director of the Brown County Department of Public Health. “Radon is a silent threat that can silently increase the risk of lung cancer. By removing the barrier of cost and complexity, we empower our residents to take control of their home environment and protect their families.”

Funding and Partnerships

The program is funded through a combination of county health budget allocations, a grant from the Wisconsin State Health Fund, and contributions from local businesses that recognize the public‑health benefits of reduced radon exposure. Brown County has also partnered with the Wisconsin Environmental Health Network, a statewide coalition that provides training for local health workers and offers resources to streamline testing and mitigation.

“We’re thrilled to see such strong community support for this program,” remarked Kevin O’Neill, spokesperson for the Wisconsin Environmental Health Network. “Radon testing is a small but powerful step toward reducing lung cancer incidence across the state.”

What Residents Should Know

While the free kit program addresses the cost barrier, health officials remind residents that radon testing is only the first step. The following guidance is available on the Brown County Public Health website and mirrors CDC recommendations:

  • Test every home – Especially those built before 2000 or those that have had prior radon testing.
  • Test in the lowest, livable space – Living rooms, bedrooms, or basements where people spend the most time.
  • Follow the instructions carefully – Ensure that windows and vents are sealed during the test period to avoid underestimating radon levels.
  • Act on the results – If radon is above 4 pCi/L, contact a licensed radon mitigation contractor. The county can recommend qualified professionals.

The website also offers a downloadable PDF of the U.S. EPA’s “Radon Mitigation Guide” and a video series on DIY radon testing tips. For those who require additional assistance, the county’s public health hotline operates from Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Bigger Picture

Radon testing is part of a broader public‑health strategy that includes educational outreach, building code enforcement, and community‑based screenings for lung cancer symptoms. Brown County has already seen a surge in public interest: during a recent health fair at the Brown County Community Center, over 200 residents registered for free radon test kits, and a local hospital reported a 12% increase in voluntary lung cancer screenings over the past year.

“We’re seeing the power of proactive health measures,” said Dr. Marquez. “When people know they have a tool to identify a hidden hazard, they’re more likely to engage in preventive behaviors. Our goal is not only to lower radon levels but also to create a culture of health consciousness that extends beyond radon to other environmental risks.”

Residents are encouraged to act promptly. The county will begin distributing kits on September 25, with priority given to areas identified in the 2024 survey as having the highest radon concentrations. As part of the ongoing commitment, Brown County will continue to monitor radon levels county‑wide, publish annual reports, and adjust public‑health messaging based on emerging data.

For more information or to request a free radon test kit, visit www.browncountyhealth.org/radon or call (920) 555‑0199.


Read the Full WBAY Article at:
[ https://www.wbay.com/2025/09/17/brown-county-public-health-offers-free-radon-test-kits/ ]


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