Whether it's a concern about a licensed establishment or a human health hazard you can click on one of the links below, and complete one of the complaint forms to let us know about the issue.
RADON
Radon is an odorless, invisible radioactive gas that come from trace amounts of uranium occurring naturally in the ground. The gas can get into a house through the foundation and breathing air with high levels of radon can lead to lung cancer. Between 5-10% of homes in Wisconsin have radon levels above the US EPA guideline of 4pCi/L. The only way to know the radon level in your home is to measure it.
Radon test kits are available in our office.
- Short-term test kits $15
- Long-term test kits $25
Pierce County Radon Test ResultsFor more information on Radon in Wisconsin, the health effects of Radon, a list of certified radon contractors in Wisconsin and other Radon information, click on the following links.
http://www.epa.gov/radonhttps://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/radon/index.htmMOLDIndoors, molds live in areas of high humidity, such as basements and poorly ventilated bathrooms. To grow and multiply, mold requires moisture, nutrients and suitable material on which to establish. Of these conditions, controlling excess moisture is the key to preventing and stopping indoor mold growth.
https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/mold/index.htmhttp://www.cdc.gov/moldIf you have questions or concerns about mold in your home, contact us for additional information.
CARBON MONOXIDECarbon monoxide is the most common cause of fatal poisoning in Wisconsin. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas. It is formed during incomplete burning of fuels, such as gasoline, kerosene, natural gas, oil, coal or wood. In homes, carbon monoxide can quickly build up from a poorly ventilated or malfunctioning heater, furnace, range or any fuel-powered appliance, or even from a vehicle left idling in a garage.
The early warning signs of carbon monoxide are drowsiness, headache, nausea or dizziness; which are easily mistaken for the flu. When exposure occurs during sleep or in cases of very high CO levels, unconsciousness and death may occur quickly with no warning symptoms.
https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/air/co.htmwww.cdc.gov/co/Wisconsin State Law now requires carbon monoxide (CO) detectors in all residences in Wisconsin.
Animal Bites & Rabies Prevention
Rabies is a viral disease that can affect all mammals, including humans.Treatment is critical for a person who has been infected by rabies because there is no cure. All reported bites are followed-up and appropriate actions taken to prevent transmission of the rabies virus.
If someone is bitten by a cat, dog or wild animal; wash the wound immediately with soap and running water for at least five minutes and see a physician immediately (even for minor wounds).
If your pet bites someone or has been bitten, immediately confine the pet and contact local law enforcement or the health department. Also, check with your pet’s veterinarian for treatment and rabies vaccination history.
If someone is bitten by a wild or stray animal, DO NOT try to capture the animal unless you are sure you can do so without incurring further injury.
DO NOT destroy the animal which has bitten a human or animal. Contact the local animal control officer, a veterinarian or health department for instruction.
Ticks
Some ticks are so small they are difficult to see.
Your greatest exposure to ticks is in woody, bushy and grassy areas.
Pets may also carry ticks into your home.
What should you do?
- Check for ticks daily
- Wear repellent with DEET
- Wear protective clothing, you may also treat your clothes with permethrin
TICKS CAN TRANSMIT DISEASERecognizing and treating tickborne diseases early is important. Signs and symptoms of tickborne diseases can range from mild to severe and can include fever, chills, rash, sweats, muscle aches, joint pain, headache, fatigue, nausea, and vomiting.Consult with your doctor if you develop any of the symptoms listed above within 30 days of the tick bite.
Call your doctor if:
- You get a rash
- You are more tired than usual
- You are having more headaches
- You develop a fever, joint pain and/or swelling
Lyme’s Disease:
https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/publications/p01752.pdfTickborne Disease Risk in Wisconsin:
https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/publications/p01751.pdfMosquitoes
Mosquitoes carrying the La Crosse strain of encephalitis, West Nile Virus and other arboviruses are dangerous to the health and well-being of our residents. West Nile and La Crosse En cephalitis viruses are native to this region.
You can help prevent the risk of being bitten by a mosquito by eliminating their breeding grounds. Water that stands for more than four days can breed mosquitoes. Eliminate standing water and help eliminate mosquitoes that spread disease.
Eliminate Standing Water:
- Dispose of unrimmed tires
- Empty standing water that collects in boats, pools, bird baths, etc.
- Don’t leave empty cans, bottles, buckets or other containers lying around where they can collect water.
- Mosquitoes
- Arboviral diseases
- General mosquito information
- Breeding Habitat Source Reduction
- Repellents
- WNV information
Dead Bird Reporting (crows, blue jays, ravens)
To report dead birds during May 1 through October 31, call the hotline at 1-800-433-1610. When one dead corvid tests positive for WNV in Pierce County each year, testing will cease but reporting is encouraged.
The Pierce County Human Health Hazard Ordinance describes a human health hazard to be a situation or condition that exists or has a potential to exist which has adversely affected or has the potential to adversely affect the health of a person and/or the general public.
This ordinance gives the Health Department the authority to investigate instances of potential human health hazards including accumulations of animal or human wastes; garbage; scrap metal; tires, and other material that may create a health hazard in which insects, rats or other vermin can breed, live, nest or seek shelter. Unhealthy or unsanitary conditions may also fall under the human health hazard ordinance.
In addition to the county ordinance, there is also state law relating to human health hazards found in Wisconsin Statute 254, Subchapter VI.
If you would like to report a potential human health hazard, please contact the Pierce County Health Department or you can complete the online complaint form by clicking here: Pierce County Public Health Department Nuisance and Human Health Hazard Complaint Form Link.
Use the above link to the form but list the title not the address (it's one of the forms that is listed under the "Would you like to report an environmental health concern?")
Follow up will be made by Health Department staff to determine whether the issue falls under the human health hazard definition. The Health Department has the authority to issue orders for cleanup and, if necessary, is also authorized to issue a citation under the Human Health Hazard Ordinance if the violation is not corrected.
WI Statute 254.59
Pierce County Human Health Hazard Ordinance: Chapter 180
The Pierce County Health Department is responsible for licensing and inspecting 209 food related establishments in the county. Each licensed establishment receives annual review and additional inspections based on the findings to comply with food safety standards.
Please remember that the posted inspections are a snapshot of the conditions found by the inspector at the given time of the visit. The conditions in the food establishment can change rapidly and on a day to day basis. Inspectors are looking at short term hazards as well as long term procedures to ensure healthy and safe operation of the establishment.
For a better understanding of the inspection program, we recommend you review the information provided on the WI Department of Health Services (DHS), Food Safety and Recreational Licensing (FSRL) Section online inspection home page.
Also, note that only DHS licensed food facilities are available online at this time. DATCP licensed food facilities and other licensed DHS facilities will be made available in the future.
The two most common water contaminants are coliform bacteria and nitrate. Public water systems regularly test for these contaminants, but if you have a private well, it's up to you to make sure your water is tested. If you have a private water supply, you are responsible for the quality of water that your family and guests drink. That's why you should test your private water supply at least once a year – more often if problems arise.
The WI Department of Natural Resources manages activities that affect the safety, quality and availability of drinking water to protect public health and our water resources. Check out their website for valuable information. http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/DrinkingWater/
