Home Hazards

Lots of things can affect indoor air quality, which can affect your health. Here’s what we can help with.

Have a concern about an indoor air quality problem in a residential building? Call us at 608-242-6515 or fill out an online report!

Mold

Mold can grow in houses and apartments when there is too much moisture. People with allergies, respiratory conditions, or weakened immune systems may experience health effects from mold.

Getting Rid Of Mold

Finding and fixing the source of moisture is important. Common causes include:

• Roof leaks
• Leaking pipes or plumbing
• Condensation from high indoor humidity
• Indoor flooding

If you can’t find the source of moisture, or can’t fix it yourself, talk to a mold contractor.

If you rent, talk to your landlord. If they won’t help, call us at 608-242-6515.

Cleaning Up Mold

People with breathing problems, asthma, or weakened immune systems should not clean up mold because it could make their symptoms worse.

Learn how to properly clean up mold to protect your health.

Radon

Radon is an invisible radioactive gas that has no smell or taste. It occurs naturally in the ground and leaks into houses through cracks in the foundation. Over the past four years, testing revealed that about half of the homes tested in Dane County had high levels of radon. Radon causes lung cancer.

How To Test Your Home For Radon

Testing is the only way to know if you have radon in your home. 

• Hardware and home stores sell low-cost radon test kits (usually under $25).
• Buy a test kit at one of our offices for $10. Cash or check only.
  • 2300 S. Park St., Suite 2010, Madison. Monday - Friday from 8:30am - 4:30pm.
  • 2705 E. Washington Ave., Madison. Monday - Friday from 8:30am - 4:30pm.
• If testing shows a radon problem, you'll need to install a system that will prevent radon from building up in your home. The system should be installed by a certified mitigation contractor.
• Radon reduction systems can reduce radon levels in your home by up to 99%. Radon reduction systems can be built into new homes.

Learn More

• Call the South-Central Radon Information Center at 608-243-0392
• Radon Information in Wisconsin, WI Department of Health Services
• Radon Information, US Environmental Protection Agency

Secondhand Smoke

Secondhand smoke causes many health effects, including lung cancer, low birth weight, asthma attacks, and more.

All Wisconsin workplaces are covered by a smoke-free workplace law. This includes restaurants, taverns, bars, and bowling centers. 

• Learn more about the law
• Report a violation

Disposing of Household Waste

Chemicals and Electronics

Know the do's and do not's for getting rid of household waste.

• Visit Dane County Clean Sweep to learn more about safely disposing of chemicals and electronics. Drop off or pick up chemicals that are still usable like pesticides, spray paint, and cleaning supplies!
• Visit the Madison Metropolitan Sewerage District to explore ways to dispose of other home hazards, plastics and microplastics, and food waste. 

Mercury Products

Mercury is a toxic pollutant that gets into our water system and can cause harm to human and environmental health. Products containing mercury should be disposed of properly and safely.

• Visit Madison Metropolitan Sewerage District’s Mercury page for information on identifying and safely disposing of mercury products like old thermometers, thermostats, compact fluorescent bulbs, and more.