Radon is a natural, colorless, and odorless gas that comes from the soil. Radon can build up inside homes without notice. As radon breaks down, it releases tiny radioactive particles that can be inhaled and harm our lungs. Long-term exposure to high levels of radon increases the risk of lung cancer. If elevated levels are found, a mitigation system can effectively reduce them.
For additional information click here.
To receive a radon test kit visit our Public Health Office at 611 Vista Drive, Suite 1, Caledonia, MN 55921 during our regular business hours. These test kits are free to the public.
For additional information click here.
To receive a radon test kit visit our Public Health Office at 611 Vista Drive, Suite 1, Caledonia, MN 55921 during our regular business hours. These test kits are free to the public.
Nitrate is a substance that occurs naturally and can also come from human activities. Nitrates can be found in lakes, rivers, and groundwater in Minnesota. You cannot taste, smell, or see nitrate in water. Drinking too much nitrate can be harmful, especially for children under 1. Recently, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) created new efforts to respond to high nitrate levels in Southeast Minnesota's groundwater. These actions were developed after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sent a letter raising concerns. To view the nitrate report and the MDH response to the EPA click here.
Request a private well test kit here.
Request a private well test kit here.
A license is required if you sell food and/or beverages in Minnesota.
In Houston County the Minnesota Department of Health Food, Pools, and Lodging (FPL) Services section licenses and inspects food and beverage establishments.
Food establishments include:
In Houston County the Minnesota Department of Health Food, Pools, and Lodging (FPL) Services section licenses and inspects food and beverage establishments.
Food establishments include:
- Restaurants
- Schools
- Cafes
- Food Carts/Food Trucks
- Special Event Food Stands
- Seasonal Food Stands
- Bakeries
- Convenience stores
- Grocery stores
- Meat markets
- Vending machines
- Wholesale food manufacturing plants.
How mold effects each person can appear very different. Common symptoms are coughing, runny nose, wheezing and a sore throat. Anyone with concerns about health effects from a moldy environment should contact their medical provider.
Mold Testing
Houston County Public Health does not conduct mold testing.
For more information about mold mitigation visit: MDH Mold and Moisture.
Mold Testing
Houston County Public Health does not conduct mold testing.
For more information about mold mitigation visit: MDH Mold and Moisture.
Extreme heat is weather that is much warmer and/or humid than what is considered normal for our area.
How to Stay Safe in Extreme Heat:
How to Stay Safe in Extreme Heat:
- Stay hydrated
- Stay informed
- Stay cool
Tick season in Minnesota typically extends from March through October or November. Ticks are commonly found in wooded areas and tall grasses. If you plan to spend time in locations where ticks may be present, be sure to thoroughly check for ticks afterward. To reduce the risk of tick bites, use insect repellent containing Deet or picaridin and wear long sleeves and long pants.
If you have found a suspicious looking tick you can submit the tick to MDH. To find more information about how to have a tick sent to MDH visit: MDH Tick Monitoring.
To learn more about the different ticks that can be found here in Minnesota visit: MDH Tick Species.
If you have found a suspicious looking tick you can submit the tick to MDH. To find more information about how to have a tick sent to MDH visit: MDH Tick Monitoring.
To learn more about the different ticks that can be found here in Minnesota visit: MDH Tick Species.
In Minnesota it is recommended that all children be tested for blood lead levels around 1 year of age and 2 years of age. There is additional testing criteria for children older than 2 years who meet certain lead exposure risk criteria.
If you think your child may be exposed to lead, talk with their healthcare provider.
For more information visit: Lead information for families.
If you think your child may be exposed to lead, talk with their healthcare provider.
For more information visit: Lead information for families.
Minnesota can get very cold and staying warm can become challenging.
When there is predicted extreme cold weather it is important to dress for the weather, check on your elderly neighbors, and to remain cautious if you have to travel.
Cold-weather injuries
Hypothermia
Hypothermia happens when your body gets too cold and can't warm itself back up. If you think you or someone nearby has hypothermia, move the person to a warm, dry place. Remove any wet clothing and replace it with dry layers. Cover the person with blankets, offer warm drinks if they are alert and call 911.
Symptoms:
Frostbite is the loss of feeling and color due to freezing tissue. Common extremities to get frostbite are the nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers and toes. Frostbite can be permanent if not treated promptly.
For more information on extreme cold visit: Preparing for a Winter Storm.
When there is predicted extreme cold weather it is important to dress for the weather, check on your elderly neighbors, and to remain cautious if you have to travel.
Cold-weather injuries
Hypothermia
Hypothermia happens when your body gets too cold and can't warm itself back up. If you think you or someone nearby has hypothermia, move the person to a warm, dry place. Remove any wet clothing and replace it with dry layers. Cover the person with blankets, offer warm drinks if they are alert and call 911.
Symptoms:
- Shivering
- Cold, pale skin
- Slurred speech
- Clumsiness
- Confusing or acting strangely
- Extreme tiredness
Frostbite is the loss of feeling and color due to freezing tissue. Common extremities to get frostbite are the nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers and toes. Frostbite can be permanent if not treated promptly.
For more information on extreme cold visit: Preparing for a Winter Storm.