by Margaret Henderson
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services has included radon in its state health plan, Healthiest Wisconsin 2020. Objective 2 of Environmental and Occupational Health states:
“By 2020, increase the percentage of homes with healthy, safe environments in all communities. (Safe environments are free from lead paint hazards, mold or moisture damage, environmental tobacco smoke and safety hazards, and include carbon monoxide and smoke detectors, and radon testing and mitigation.)”
Approximately one in ten homes in Wisconsin has elevated radon levels. To achieve its objective of increasing testing and mitigation, the state has established 17 Radon Information Centers throughout the state to perform a variety of tasks, staffed with experts who are given goals, targets and reporting requirements.
Radon Information Centers require staff with Radon Proficiency Certification. National proficiency certification for radon measurement and mitigation is to be maintained by at least one staff working on radon, until such time as additional requirements as noted in the procedures may be achieved and substituted.
Training and stocking of cooperating local agencies is another task assigned staff. Staff will train cooperating local public health agencies in their region as needed and provide information and materials for distribution. Database development will be performed by staff in adding new results of radon measurements that they facilitated to the database. Additionally, staff will engage in outreach to media and professional groups and respond to requests for information. Experts are available statewide to answer questions and provide test kits to the general public by calling 1-888-LOW-RADON (1-888-569-7236). Radon Information Centers will submit reports at six-month intervals to indicate the activities and progress toward meeting annual targets and goals.
For more information, see:
17 Radon Information Centers in Wisconsin https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/radon/infocenters.htm
Objectives of Radon Information Centers 2018-2020
https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/gac/ricsobj18.pdf
State Health Plan Healthiest Wisconsin 2020 https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/publications/p00187-exe.pdf
Contact State Radon Program Coordinators:
Wisconsin Division of Public Health PO Box 2659 Madison WI 53701-2659
Jessica Maloney Telephone: 608-267-7199
Mike Metcalf Telephone: 608-266-2817
United States