News
Public Health, Library Launch Radon Testing Device Loan Program (posted January 21, 2026)
By Adam Behnke, Communications Specialist for Brown County Public Health
Click here to view this program's home page
Brown County Public Health is thrilled to launch a new program in partnership with the Brown County Library. We decided to go public in January because its National Radon Action Month, and the initiative targets radon to improve long-term health outcomes for people who live in Brown County.
In short, anyone with a Brown County Library card check out a digital radon testing device, just like a book, to learn if their home has elevated levels of the dangerous gas. The devices can be loaned out over and over, with the intention of increasing local education and spurring action to mitigation radon in home and apartments where it is dangerous high.
This program was announced at a joint news conference on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at the Brown County Central Library. This edition of the Healthy Herald provides a brief overview of how it works.
What is Radon?
Radon, an odorless radioactive gas naturally found in the ground, can seep into buildings through their foundations. Exposure to high levels of radon over long periods of time can cause lung cancer. It causes more lung cancer among non-smokers than second-hand tobacco smoke. It is responsible for nearly 1,000 deaths every year in Wisconsin. The good news is that radon-caused lung cancer is largely preventable. The first step is to test your home.
(Click here to read about radon from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services)
“Radon is found at elevated levels in approximately one in 10 homes across the state,” said Anna Nick, Brown County Health Officer. “The only way to know if your house or apartment has elevated levels is to test. This new program offers a free, convenient way for people to check radon levels where they live.”
Brown County's Radon Test Device Loan Program
This new device loan program removes the biggest barriers to radon testing. The devices are free to use and easy to access. All someone needs are their library card and a week or two of time to set out the device to capture a long-term reading. More testing means more early detection of high radon levels, fewer people exposed long-term, and fewer lung cancer cases in our community.
“The first step is to test, and using these devices is simple,” said Grace Rollin, program lead for Brown County Public Health. “They come in a case with batteries and instructions explaining what to do and how to interpret the results. After one-to-two weeks, the device can be returned to the library and loaned out again, over and over.”
In total, 45 digital radon testing devices were purchased for the program using grant money secured through the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. They are available at all Brown County Library branches. Brown County Public Health manages device inventory and upkeep.
“This is a fantastic example of two local government departments working together toward the common goal of improving lives in Brown County,” said Troy Streckenbach, Brown County Executive. “We hope residents take advantage of the opportunity to test and learn if they need to take further action to safeguard their health at home.”
What Am I Supposed to Make of the Test Results?
Federal and state authorities consider the “action level” of radon to be 4 picocuries per liter or higher. If it’s below that level, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services recommends re-testing your home every 2 to 5 years because radon levels can fluctuate over time.
If elevated radon levels are found, there are more than 100 radon mitigation contractors in Wisconsin who are nationally certified to install a radon mitigation system. Thousands of systems are installed in existing homes each year. The average cost for a contractor to install a radon mitigation system is $1,000-$2,000.
(Click here to read the list mitigation contractors in Wisconsin)
Check out a radon monitor. Check your home. Protect your family.
Stay Healthy, Brown County!