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Brown County Library Lends Radon Detection Kits

  //health-fitness.news-articles.net/content/2026/ .. n-county-library-lends-radon-detection-kits.html
  Published in Health and Fitness on Friday, March 6th 2026 at 0:23 GMT by Fox 11 News
      Locales: Wisconsin, UNITED STATES

Green Bay, WI - March 6th, 2026 - In a proactive move to bolster public health, the Brown County Public Library has launched a groundbreaking program allowing residents to borrow radon detection kits. The initiative, unveiled today, aims to increase awareness about the dangers of radon gas and empower homeowners to take preventative measures against this silent health hazard.

Radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas, is created by the breakdown of uranium in soil and rock. While harmless in open air, it can accumulate to dangerous levels inside homes and buildings by seeping through cracks in foundations, pipes, and other openings. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that nearly one in fifteen homes in the United States has elevated radon levels.

"Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S., responsible for an estimated 21,000 deaths each year," explains Anna Lorton, Director of Brown County Public Health. "Because it's odorless, colorless, and tasteless, radon poses a unique threat. Residents often have no idea they're being exposed. The only way to know if your home has elevated levels is to test for it."

This lack of immediate symptoms is what makes radon particularly insidious. Prolonged exposure to high levels of radon damages lung tissue, increasing the risk of lung cancer, even for non-smokers. Smokers are at an even greater risk.

The Brown County Public Library's program addresses this critical need for accessible testing. Residents can now check out a radon detection kit, similar to borrowing a book, from any of the library's locations. The kits are free to use and are available for a designated loan period - typically a week to a month - sufficient time to complete the testing process and receive results. The library has partnered with a local environmental testing lab to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the results. Details regarding result interpretation and follow-up actions will be provided with each kit.

"We're thrilled to partner with Brown County Public Health on this vital initiative," says Amy Bielinski, Director of the Brown County Public Library. "Libraries are increasingly becoming hubs for health information and resources. This program allows us to extend our reach beyond books and provide a tangible service that directly impacts the well-being of our community. It's a great way for people to be proactive about their health and protect their families."

This program isn't the first of its kind, but is gaining traction nationwide as communities recognize the importance of radon awareness. Several states now mandate radon testing during real estate transactions, and increasing numbers of libraries are adopting similar lending programs. However, Brown County's initiative is notable for its comprehensive approach, including not only the kit lending but also readily available information and support from the Public Health department.

Radon mitigation is often surprisingly affordable. If elevated levels are detected, simple solutions like sealing cracks in foundations and installing a radon reduction system can significantly lower exposure. The EPA provides detailed guidance on radon mitigation techniques on their website ([ https://www.epa.gov/radon ]).

The Brown County Public Health Department urges all residents to take advantage of this free program and test their homes for radon. "Don't wait until it's too late," Lorton emphasizes. "Protecting your health starts with knowing your risks, and testing for radon is a simple, effective step you can take today."

For more information about radon and the new library program, visit the Brown County Public Health website at [ https://www.browncountywi.gov/public-health/ ]. Residents can also contact the library directly at (920) 497-4700 to inquire about kit availability and loan procedures.