Environmental Health & Inspections/Licensing
Environmental Health
Environmental health is a part of public health that focuses on the relationship between people and their environment, promotes human health and fosters healthy and safe communities.
Human Health Hazard
A human health hazard is any substance, activity, or condition that is known to have the potential to cause an acute or chronic illness, to endanger life, to generate or spread infectious diseases, or otherwise adversely affect the health of the public. The health department follows up on reports of potential human health hazards to protect public health, safety and general welfare and to maintain and protect the environment for the people of Iowa County. Human Health Hazards can be reported to the Health Department at 608-930-9870.
A few examples of human health hazards include:
- hoarding
- environmental contamination
- mold
- lead paint
- blastomycosis
- blue-green algae
- pests
- groundwater contamination
- drug cleanup
Food Retail Inspection, Licensing and Complaints
Iowa Public Health does not offer licensing or inspection services. The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) is responsible for the licensing and regulation of every public restaurant, swimming pool, campground, recreational education camp, lodging establishment, food operation, and vending machine business in the state of Wisconsin. The Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services is responsible for licensing tattoo and body art businesses, as well as others. Please see the links below for more information about licensing and filing complaints.
Service | Website Link |
Restaurant/Food Production License or Permit | https://datcp.wi.gov/Pages/Licenses_Permits/FoodLicenses.aspx |
Restaurant/Food Production Inspection | https://healthspace.com/clients/wi/state/statewebportal.nsf/home.xsp |
File a Complaint for a Restaurant/Food Retailor | https://datcp.wi.gov/Pages/Programs_Services/Complaints.aspx |
Tattoo & Body Art Licensing |
File a Complaint
To file a complaint about manufactured food, retail food establishments or recreational facilities (e.g., hotels, motels, campgrounds, swimming pools) visit the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) website.
Lead Safety
Lead damages the brain and other bodily systems—and its effects can last a lifetime. While lead can hurt anyone, the health effects of lead exposure are particularly damaging for kids under 6. The Health Department supports families in Iowa County who are tasked with eliminating lead from their living environment through education and resources. We follow up with families on high lead results for their child(ren) to ensure proper next steps are being taken. We also conduct environmental assessment of homes where children with elevated lead levels live. Lead poisoning among children is typically caused by swallowing or breathing in dust from lead-based paint in homes that were built before 1978. We can prevent lead poisoning by getting rid of the danger before it harms children or others.
CDC Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention
Radon
Free radon testing kits are available at the Health Department. Call 608-930-9870 for more information.
What is Radon?
Radon is a cancer-causing, radioactive gas. You can’t see radon. And you can’t smell it or taste it. But it may be a problem in your home. Radon comes from the natural (radioactive) breakdown of uranium in soil, rock and water and gets into the air you breathe. Radon can be found all over the U.S. It can get into any type of building — homes, offices, and schools — and result in a high indoor radon level. But you and your family are most likely to get your greatest exposure at home, where you spend most of your time. Radon can be found all over the U.S.
You should test for radon.
Testing is the only way to know if you and your family are at risk from radon. EPA and the Surgeon General recommend testing all homes below the third floor for radon. EPA also recommends testing in schools. Testing is inexpensive and easy — it should only take a few minutes of your time.
You can fix a radon problem.
Radon reduction systems work and they are not too costly. Some radon reduction systems can reduce radon levels in your home by up to 99%. Even very high levels can be reduced to acceptable levels. If your radon levels are high, a contractor can help fix it. Click the link https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/radon/radon-proficiency.htm for a list of certified measurement or mitigation contractors in Wisconsin.
How Does Radon Get Into Your Home?
- Radon Gets in Through: Cracks in solid floors, construction joints, cracks in walls, gaps in suspended floors, gaps around service pipes and cavities inside walls.
Radon is estimated to cause many thousands of deaths each year. That’s because when you breathe air containing radon, you can get lung cancer. In fact, the Surgeon General has warned that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States today. Only smoking causes more lung cancer deaths. If you smoke and your home has high radon levels, your risk of lung cancer is especially high.
Private Water Well Testing
Test Your Water with Iowa County HD!
A private well needs regular maintenance and inspection. You want to make sure it’s working correctly. While most private wells in Wisconsin provide safe drinking water, some may contain substances that can affect our health. Many of these substances do not affect the color, smell, or taste of the water. The only way to make sure a well is safe for drinking is to test your well regularly.
Water test kits are available at the Health Department. Call 608-930-9870 for more information.
DHS Drinking Water: Private Wells
Mosquito & Arboviral Control
Tick Bite Prevention