Radon Testing

Radon is naturally occurring radioactive gas that is odorless, colorless and tasteless.  It comes from the natural decay of uranium, which is found in the soil throughout Wyoming.  Radon enters homes and buildings from the soil beneath through cracks and other openings in the foundation.  Exposure to radon increases you risk of developing lung cancer.  Fifteen thousand lung cancer deaths each year are attributable to radon.  Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States.  Thirty-two percent of the homes tested in Wyoming have elevated levels of radon.  EPA's action level is 4.0 pCi/L (pico curies per liter). Any home or building with a radon level at or above 4.0 pCi/L should be fixed or mitigated.  The average cost of a home mitigation is $1,200-$1,500.  Radon-resistant construction techniques can be incorporated when constructing new homes and buildings for about half the cost of a retrofit system.  More detailed information on radon in Wyoming can be obtained by calling your local Public Health Office.

Lead Screening

About one in twenty American Children have high levels of lead in their blood, according to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention. You may have lead around your home without knowing it because you can’t see, taste, or smell lead.  You may have lead in the dust, paint, soil in and around your home, or in your drinking water or food. Because it does not break down naturally, lead can remain a problem until it is removed.

The long term effects of lead in a child can be severe. They include learning disabilities, decreased growth, hyperactivity, impaired hearing, and even brain damage. If caught early these effects can be limited by reducing exposure to lead or by medical treatment. If you are pregnant, avoid exposing yourself to lead. Lead can pass through your body to your baby.  The good news is that there are simple things you can do to help protect your family.

More detailed information on lead in Wyoming can be obtained by calling your local Public Health Office.

Kemmerer

Phone:  (307)877-3780

Fax:  (307)828-3114

Email:  publichealth@lcwy.org

925 Sage

Suite 106

Kemmerer, WY  83101

Afton

Phone:  (307)885-9598

Fax:  (307)885-0175

Email:  publichealth@lcwy.org

421 Jefferson

Suite 401

Afton, WY  83110