Health begins long before illness; it begins where we live, learn, work, and play. We all live in conditions that we cannot individually control but that can affect our health—the air we breathe, the water we drink, the food we eat. Steele County Public Health works behind the scenes with families, neighborhoods, schools, and workplaces to create conditions that support the health of all Steele County residents, no matter their address.
Air Quality
Poor air quality affects all of us, but Minnesota's most vulnerable populations – seniors, the poor, people without health insurance, and people with chronic health conditions – experience greater impacts. Breathing polluted air creates or worsens health conditions such as asthma, COPD, and heart disease. Follow these steps to protect your health:
- Download the EPA’s AirNow Mobile App
- Sign-up to receive air quality alerts and forecasts via email
- Learn more by reading this report: Life and Breath Greater Minnesota 2022
- For more resources, visit: Air Quality - MN Dept. of Health
Lead
Lead exposure is dangerous for young children. Lead poisoning may cause learning, behavior and health problems in young children. Children are most at risk because their bodies absorb lead more easily and their brains are still developing. Learn more about common sources of lead and what you can do to protect children from lead exposure: lead awareness infographic.
There is no safe level of lead exposure. Lead poisoning may be subtle and hard to detect. Minnesota guidelines recommend universal testing for every child at around both 1 and 2 years of age and targeted blood lead testing for children under 18 years of age. For children less than 18 years of age, medical follow-up is recommended for elevated blood lead levels of ≥3.5 mcg/dL. Learn more: Minnesota childhood blood lead screening guidelines. SCPH can screen for lead and bill most insurance companies for a capillary blood lead test. MDH refers any child who lives in Steele County and has a high blood lead level to Steele County Public Health for case management, education and follow-up.
For more information on childhood lead exposure, see the MDH Lead & Healthy Homes Program's home page.
Mold
Many people want to test their home for mold. In most situations, MN Department of Health does not recommend mold testing. There are several reasons for this:
- Proper mold testing is expensive
- There is no health-based standard for mold levels in air
- Any mold growing inside is a problem- it does not matter what specific type of mold is present
Click here to learn more about mold and mold removal
If you are a renter: the landlord is responsible for controlling moisture problems and removing mold, unless it is an issue related to the tenant’s behavior. Renters can address some minor moisture problems themselves.
Tenants and landlords should work cooperatively to investigate and correct moisture and mold problems. If the owner is unwilling to help, the renter may seek outside advice. If the case cannot be addressed with a local building, housing inspector, a renter may wish to contact an attorney or tenants’ organization to discuss legal options. More information on mold in rental housing
Radon
Radon is a dangerous gas that you cannot see or smell. Long-term exposure to this gas can lead to lung cancer. The only way to know is by testing your home for radon, a recommendation for everyone living in Minnesota.
In Steele County, 61% of homes have high levels of radon. Pick up your Radon Test Kit for only $6.50 from Steele County Public Health (635 Florence Ave) during our business hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM, excluding holidays.
Feel free to view these resources from the Minnesota Department of Health:
- Radon: Keeping You Safe guide
- Brief radon safety guide
- Air Chek test kit instructions
- Radon mitigation systems
- Financial assistance for radon mitigation
- Radon and Lung Cancer testimonial
- Order your own radon test kit ($12.95)
Water Testing
As a private well owner, you are responsible for regularly testing the water you use for cooking and drinking to make sure it is safe. Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) recommends that you test water from a faucet that you use for cooking and drinking.
Steele County Public Health helps Steele County residents protect their drinking water. One way to assure safe, quality drinking water is by having it tested. Water testing is available for a fee (see below) for all Steele County residents. Water tests can be picked up at Steele County Public Health.