Communities expose the dangers of radon through kits and information

In years past, about half of Greendale residents who tested their homes for radon found that the levels exceeded federal limits, said Susan Shepeard, the village's public health officer.

"On average, 50 percent are above the level of concern," said Shepeard, who said Greendale has been offering radon-detection kids to residential property owners in the village since 2009.

This year's no different, she said, and kits, through a $1,000 donation from the local Lions Club, are being offered again to residents.

"We don't have them yet," she said. "We've ordered them. They will be available for sure by Monday."

Radon is a naturally occurring, odorless and tasteless gas that, according to the National Cancer Institute, is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the United States.

Blamed for up to 22,000 lung cancer deaths a year, the gas seeps into homes through cracks in floors, walls and foundations, and it's estimated that 5 percent to 10 percent of Wisconsin homes have levels of radon that exceed the Environmental Protection Agency guidelines.

Greendale, when the kits arrive, will offer them to residents with a $10 deposit, returned once samples are taken and results are discussed with health department officials, Shepeard said.

"Our main goal is, of course, education and referral, if necessary," she said.

The kits can be obtained at the Greendale Health Department, 5650 Parking St., from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The health departments in Oak Creek, Franklin and Hales Corners are also offering kits. In Hales Corners, however, the limited number of kits received this year - 30 - have already been spoken for. They sold for $10 each.

But in Franklin, city residents can purchase the kits for $6; they are available during regular business hours, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, at the city's Health Department, 9229 W. Loomis Road.

In Oak Creek, the Health Department is offering the kits free of charge to those with proof of city residency. Kits can be obtained at the department, 8640 S. Howell Ave. Business hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays.

While Greendale received funding this year from the Lions Club, Oak Creek, Hales Corners and Franklin all received grants from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.

"We are trying to lower the risk," said Paul Tellier, groundwater program coordinator for the state.

Tellier said Oak Creek received a $3,500 radon promotion grant this year, and Hales Corners and Franklin each received $2,500. Since Greendale received grants in 2009 and 2010, the village was not eligible to apply for 2011 but will receive a state grant this year.

He said that the kits contain detailed instruction on how to collect samples and send them to a certified laboratory; results are then mailed to the homeowner.

Tellier said that homeowners who are unable to obtain a radon-detection kit from their municipality can purchase one with a Visa or MasterCard through the state for $10 by calling 800-896-8300. He said that if initial test results are higher than the EPA guidelines, the state will issue another kit free of charge to retest.

"If the levels are high, you want to verify it," he said. "You want to have statistical confidence."