Healthy Homes
Background
A healthy home is key to everyone’s health and well-being. Healthy homes are more than just a place without dangerous pollutants and other hazardsA danger or risk.. Healthy homes also save energy, stand strong against natural disasters, and can help provide access to important places and resources like schools, healthy food, health care, and parks. The checklist below and accompanying illustration show some key action steps to take in each room and areas in or around the home.
Environmental Health Around the House
Environmental health around the house involves keeping your home free from hazardsA danger or risk. like mold, poor air quality, chemicals, and pests. Simple steps like proper ventilation, safe cleaning practices, and moisture control can help protect your family’s health and well-being.
Radon
Radon is a cancer-causing, radioactive gas that can’t be seen, smelled, or tasted. It is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States next to smoking. Radon comes from the natural (radioactive) breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water. One out of 10 homes in Wisconsin have high radon levels.
Radon can enter your home and other buildings through cracks in solid floors, construction joints, and walls, as well as gaps in suspended floors, around service pipes, walls, and water supply lines. Radon can contaminate the air you breathe and is found all over the U.S. in all types of buildings, including homes, offices, and schools.
- Test Your Home: Test Kits can be purchased from the Customer Service Department (Room 103) in Racine City Hall during normal business hours (Monday-Friday, 8am-4:30pm). Short-term tests are $5; long-term tests are $10.
Tests are easy to complete, and will provide valuable information to help protect your family’s health. - Fix the Problem: If your home tests for high levels of Radon, work with a certified contractor to resolve the issue.
- Spread the Word: Inform friends and family members about the dangers of Radon, how to test for it, and how to eliminate it from their homes.
You may also get in touch with radon experts by calling 888-LOW-RADON. 888-569-7236
Important Radon Links and Resources
Home Food Safety
Food home safety is crucial for preventing foodborne illnesses caused by improper handling, storage, or preparation. Millions get sick each year from bacteria like Salmonella, E. coli, or Listeria that grow when food isn’t kept at the right temperature or in clean conditions. Following proper practices, such as washing hands and surfaces, cooking food thoroughly, avoiding cross-contamination, and storing leftovers correctly helps to reduce these risks. Simple, consistent precautions keep your food safe and your family healthy.
