Environmental Health includes inspections, consultations, and education to prevent and minimize the harmful environmental exposures from air, water, housing, places of work, toxic materials, vector control, nuisances, and human health hazards.
Blue-Green Algae/Cyanobacteria
Blue-Green Algae/Cyanobacteria are aquatic organisms that are found as floating mats on the surface of lakes or ponds. There are health concerns associated with contact Blue Green Algae and the toxins produced by some species. EH staff monitor for the presence of Blue-Green Algae on the water systems of Winnebago County.
Drinking Water
WCHD has water sample bottles available for the testing of residential well water systems and promotes water testing through prenatal care home visits, other in-home services, and as requested by residents. Water samples are analyzed by the Wisconsin State Lab of Hygiene for bacteria, nitrates, arsenic, fluoride, and metals. EH staff consult with home owners, clients, and other partner agencys to assure safe water supplies for all county residents.
Health Hazards & Nuisances
EH staff respond to environmental complaints, including housing, solid waste and trash, junk vehicles, indoor and outdoor air quality, mold, animal concerns,vector,pests issues, and hazardous materials.
Inland Water Testing
Environmental Health staff monitor E. coli levels at a number of inland water sites in the county during the summer months. It is advised by the US EPA that water with E. coli levels at or above 235 CFU/100 ml may pose an increased risk of swimmer related illness.
Lead Testing and Inspection
Environmental Health staff will provide environmental lead assessment, paint sampling, and inspection of homes that have a child with an elevated blood lead level over 20 ug/dL. In addition, EH staff will provide consultation to residents and business owners to help reduce lead contamination in homes and buildings.
Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC)
The Winnebago County LEPC is charged with identifying businesses and farms in the county that have reportable amounts of hazardous materials onsite, and for preparing emergency response plans for those locations. In addition, the LEPC provides education and outreach to citizens on chemical and haz-mat emergencies. According to state LEPC protocols, Public Health is a mandated member of a county's LEPC.
Transient Non-Community (TNC) Public Water Systems
EH staff,tests, inspects, and monitors public water systems that serve at least 25 patrons 60 days per year in Winnebago County. Such systems include: bars, restaurants, retail stores, churches, parks, and other water systems not served by municipal water systems. WCHD provides this service under contract with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
Public Water System Owners and Operators-WDNR
Lyme Disease
WCHD follows up with individuals whose test results indicate they may have Lyme Disease to obtain more information about the symptoms and travel history. WCHD assists the Wisconsin Dept of Health and CDC to assess the demographic, geographic and seasonal distribution of Lyme disease to target prevention and control measures.
Mold
Molds grow in outdoor plant and soil materials, Mold spores are commonly found in both indoor and outdoor dust. Mold growth is familiar to most people when it is seen as a fuzzy patch or stain spreading across damp surfaces. Molds may produce chemicals that can be toxic if eaten. Seldom are these chemicals found in indoor air, and they are not suspected to be a health hazard to the general public.
Radon
Identified by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as the second leading cause of lung cancer in the US, behind only tobacco smoke. Radon is thought to be responsible for up to 20,000 lung cancers per year. Since radon levels may be elevated in all areas of the County, EH staff recommend that all residents conduct a radon test in their home.
West Nile Virus
WCHD participates in the collection of birds for testing at the US Fish and Wildlife Service's West Nile Virus surveillance program. Two positive specimens per year, (crows, ravens, and blue jays) indicates that a County is positive for WNV.
