Hazardous Waste

RADON

South Central Radon Information Center - 1999-LOW-RADON

Radon is a potential hazard for many Wisconsin homes. While it does not cause short-term health effects, it is the second leading cause of lung cancer. The only way to know if you have a radon problem is to test. Test kits are available for $5.00 each at the Sauk County Health Department.

CLEANERS and SOLVENTS

• Do you frequently use cleaning products (e.g. oven cleaners, disinfectants, home cleaners in aerosol spray form, tub and tile cleaners, etc.)?
• Do you frequently use solvents in your home (e.g. wood stains, furniture polish, paint stripper, turpentinte, artist's paints, etc.)? Are they stored in your home?
• What is the condition of your cleaning product or solvent container? Are there any holes, leakage, or rusting? Many of these products have been linked to short-term health problems, such as nausea or dizziness. For proper disposal of unused cleaners and solvents, call the SCEHS at 608-355-4314.

PESTICIDES

• Do you store pesticides (e.g.rodent baits), herbicides (e.g. weed killer), or insecticides (e.g.bug spray) in your house?
• Do you frequently use pesticides indoors on pets, house plants, or insects? Pesticides in your home and surrounding area may cause respiratory problems. If you are experiencing health problems you suspect are associated with pesticides, consult your physician or local health professional as soon as possible.

CARBON MONOXIDE OR OTHER COMBUSTION ODORS

• Do you have a frequent smoker (more than one pack per day) in the home?
• Do you have an attached garage?
• Do you use a gas stove or oven for cooking?
• Do you have a gas water heater? When was the last time your furnace was checked?
• What is your winter heating source?
• Do you have a gas clothes dryer? Where does it exhaust?

  If you experience drowsiness while in your home, do you feel better right after you leave? If so, leave your home (along with all other occupants) and have the equipment checked immediately. Contact your gas and electric provider for urgent carbon monoxide testing. For routine monitoring of carbon monoxide, install a carbon monoxide monitor in your home.

HOUSE DUST AND BIOLOGICAL CONTAMINANTS

• Do home occupants have hobbies that create dust?
• Do you ever use a humidifier or vaporizer in the house? Is the water cleaned each time you use it?
• Does your home have moisture or water problems?
• Is firewood stored indoors?
• Do any furry pets live indoors?

  If you have problems with indoor air quality, contact the SCEHS at 608-355-4315. Home assessments are available by appointment. This may include inspections for mold, mildew, pesticides, carbon monoxide or household products.

SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL

Please call 608-355-3200 list.

BURN BARREL BURNING

Waste burning generates a variety of toxic chemicals and releases them into the environment where human exposures can readily occur.

Chapter NR429, Wisconsin Administrative Code, prohibits the open burning of wet combustible rubbish, garbage, asphalt, oily substances, plastics, or rubber products. Chapter NR 500 or NR 590, Wisconsin Administrative Code, prohibits the use of open burning as a form of waste disposal for commercial business. All wastes must be recycled where possible or land filed in a WDNR licensed landfill facility. Only paper, cardboard, and untreated wood may be burned.

HAZARDOUS WASTE OR ANY QUESTIONS: Call Sauk County Emergency Management at (608) 355-3200.

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES: http://www.dhfs.state.wi.us/eh