Healthy Homes

1. Dry – damp houses provide a nurturing environment for mites, roaches, rodents and molds, all of which are associated with asthma.
2. Clean – clean homes help reduce pest infestations and exposure to contaminants.
3. Pest Free – recent studies show a causal relationship between exposure to mice and cockroaches and asthma episodes in children; yet inappropriate treatment for pest infestations can exacerbate health problems, since pesticide residues in homes pose risks for neurological damage and cancer.
4. Safe – the majority of injuries among children occur in the home. Falls are the most frequent cause of residential injuries to children, followed by injuries from objects in the home, burns and poisonings.
5. Contaminant Free – chemical exposures include lead, radon, pesticides, volatile organic compounds, and environmental tobacco smoke. Exposures to asbestos particles, radon gas, carbon monoxide, and second-hand tobacco smoke are far higher indoors than outside.
6. Ventilated – studies show that increasing the fresh air supply in a home improves respiratory health.
7. Maintained – poorly maintained homes are at risk for moisture and pest problems. Deteriorated lead-based paint in older housing is the primary cause of lead poisoning, which affects 240,000 children in the U.S.

To request a short-term test kit, contact your county public health office.

If your results are high, there are effective steps you can take to lower radon levels in your home. A certified Mitigation Contractor can install a specialized radon mitigation system to vent the gas safely outside.

If you are planning to build a new home, it’s important to note that Minnesota law requires radon-resistant construction for all new residential buildings. These built-in features are designed to prevent high levels of radon from entering the home from the ground up, providing protection from day one.

To learn more about radon and radon testing, visit the following website for more information:

Carefully follow instructions as you take the water sample and mail it or deliver it to the lab. Water must be analyzed within 24 hours after it is collected to provide reliable results.

In McLeod County, test kits can be picked up at:

Meeker County test kits can be picked up at:

• Meeker County Public Health Office

Sibley County test kits can be picked up at:

• Sibley County Health and Human Services office.

• Test your home for lead-based paint if it was built before 1978.
• Use water filters and clean regularly to reduce dust exposure.

• Keep your home dry by addressing leaks and humidity.
• Clean and repair areas prone to water damage.

To learn more about mold and mold testing, visit the following website for more information:

• Install and maintain smoke and carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home.
• Keep walkways in the home well lit, secure loose rugs/carpet and minimize clutter.
• Store hazardous materials such as cleaning products, medications and sharp objects appropriately and out of reach of children.