Indoor Air Quality

Indoor Air Quality covers information related to lead, mold, radon, asbestos and mercury. For information on these or other indoor air quality issues, please contact Environmental Health Sanitarian Kevin McNeill at (810) 987-5306.

The St. Clair County Health Department does not conduct testing for asbestos or mold. Testing for lead-based paint can conducted for a fee. Radon test kits are available at the St. Clair Health Department Environmental Health Division for $5.00 per test kit.

Resources:
Environmental Protection Agency Indoor Air Quality
HUD Healthy Homes
Centers for Disease Control Healthy Homes
Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention
Radon project at Columbia University

Lead-Based Paint
Infants and toddlers living in homes built before 1977 may be exposed to lead. The Health Department uses a Lead Analyzer which is capable of isolating the sources of lead, within or outside, the home. If lead is present, recommendations for remediation are provided and children are referred for medical treatment if necessary. Once the source(s) of lead are determined, the Sanitarian can advise the homeowner on various ways that lead can be mitigated. The St. Clair County Health Department can provide lead-based paint testing of your home for a charge of $175.00.

Mercury
Mercury is a dangerous and potent neurotoxin that affects the central nervous system, kidneys, and liver and can be found in many household items, including old thermostats and thermometers. To reduce your exposure to mercury, avoid buying items that contain mercury and use substitutes whenever possible.

The St. Clair County Landfill offers a FREE program to exchange your old mercury thermometer for a new digital one. Please contact the Landfill at (810) 985-2443 to have them properly dispose of your old mercury thermometer properly and replace it with a new digital one.

Mold
The Health Department does not conduct inspections for mold. Please call for advice on how to handle indoor mold problems at your home.

Radon
The Health Department sells home radon test kits for $5.00. They also provide information on radon reduction techniques and a list of contractors that conduct radon testing and mitigation. If you prefer to hire a professional testing service, visit www.radongas.org or www.nrsb.org, or call the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality at 1-800-RADON GAS to have the list sent to you.

Asbestos
The St. Clair County Health Department does not conduct testing for asbestos. Names of qualified asbestos inspectors and removal contractors may be obtained from the Michigan Department of Consumer and Industry Services at (517) 373-1820.