Common Home Hazards:
Radon is a naturally occurring and odorless gas and is the second-leading cause of lung cancer. Radon has been detected at unsafe levels in homes throughout Monroe County. Contact the Monroe County Health Department at 608-269-8666 for information on how to test your home, and how to take action if your home has been found to have high levels of radon. Kits are available for 10 dollars, pick one up today!
We work to prevent high lead levels and do investigations into cases of high lead levels. Call us for more information!
Human Health Hazards:
Human Health Hazards are substances, activities, or conditions that are known to have the potential to cause acute or chronic illness, injury, or death if exposure to the substance, activity, or condition is not stopped. Monroe County Health Department follows up on reports of potential human health hazards to protect public health, safety, and general welfare and to maintain and protect the environment for the people of Monroe County.
Examples may include:
- Vermin infestation
- Unburied carcasses
- Mold
- Waste accumulation – fecal matter, hoarding, garbage
- Air/water pollution
- Hazardous materials – lead paint, asbestos, drug residue/fumes
- Holes/openings
- Non-functional building fixtures
- Unsafe/unsanitary conditions
- No CO2 or smoke detectors present
- Electrical issues
- Abandoned refrigerators or airtight containers
- Eye sores – like long grass, mismatched building materials, old cars
- A non-conventional way of living – like “off the grid” living, or different standards of living
- Nuisances – like Head lice, fruit flies, bed bugs, fleas
To report a human health hazard:
Fill out an online reporting form here, or call the Monroe County Health Department at 608-269-8666.
Monroe County Health and Social Services Chapter 15
Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection
FDA Consumer Complaint Line: 612-758-7221. Anyone with a concern about food products purchased should call this number directly.
Well Water Testing:
Well water can have contaminants that we cannot smell, taste, or see. The only way to know if your well is contaminated is through testing! There are a few essential tests that should be performed routinely on every private well. You may decide to test more often if your previous results were unsafe.
Homeowners should test for the following contaminants:
- Bacteria: Every well should be tested once a year, and when you notice a change in taste, color, or smell.
- Nitrate: Every well should be tested once a year, and before the well will be used by a woman who is or may become pregnant.
- Arsenic: Every well should be tested once. If arsenic was present in previous tests, you should test once a year.
Monroe County Health Department: You can pick up a water testing kit from the Monroe County Health Department. The health department offers testing kits for bacteria and nitrate, arsenic, and metals. To have a sample analyzed, it needs to be dropped off at the La Crosse County Health Department between 8:30am and 4:30pm. To learn how more about water sampling click here.
UW-Stevens Point: You can get water testing kits mailed to you from UW- Stevens Point. After you take a water sample, you mail it back to UW-Stevens Point. If you are unsure of what to test for, their lab offers a “Basic Homeowner” kit. Click here to visit their website and learn more.
Leuther Laboratories: Leuther Labs is located in Coon Valley, WI. They only provide testing for bacteria. Water testing kits can be picked up from their location or mailed to your address. The sample needs to be returned to Leuther Labs for analyzation. To learn more, click here.
Not sure where to get your well water tested? Call us at 608-269-8666, and we can help you decide which option is best.
Click here to learn how to disinfect your well. Disinfection should only be done after a positive bacteria test.
A TNC system is a public water system. It serves 25 or more people at least 60 days of the year. Examples include campgrounds, motels, factories, and daycare centers. The health department is required to test these systems annually. If you have questions, or think you may own a TNC system, contact the health department today!
What are PFAS?
- Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large group of human-made chemicals that have been used in industry and consumer products worldwide since the 1950s. Learn more here.
Why are PFAS a concern?
- Recent findings indicate that exposure to certain PFAS may have harmful health effects in people. Such as infertility, low birth weight, developmental delays, and thyroid and hear issues.
How do I get my well tested?
- Homeowners are responsible for testing their well. Click here to view the full list of certified laboratories.