The Offices of St. Clair County

Most people are aware that outdoor pollution can affect their health. But did you know that indoor air pollution can also have significant health effects? EPA studies show that the levels of many pollutants may be 2-5 times higher in indoor air and occasionally more than 100 times higher than outdoor levels. These indoor air levels are of particular concern because it is estimated that most people spend as much as 90% of their time indoors. Other pollutants in the home can also have health effects.

This page contains information on asbestos, lead, mercury, mold and radon, several indoor air quality issues. For information on these or other indoor air quality issues, contact 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. Contact Kevin McNeill at (810) 987-5306 for further information on any indoor air quality services.

Asbestos
Asbestos has been linked with lung cancer and other diseases of the lungs. The fibers are only a health threat when they are released into the air. It is better to leave asbestos in good condition alone.

Note: The following list does not include every product/material that may contain asbestos. It is intended as a general guide to show which types of materials MAY contain 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.

Contact Kevin McNeill at the St. Clair County Health Department with any questions or concerns regarding Asbestos or visit any of the links listed below:

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Healthy Homes

Lead-Based Paint
Environmental Health provides education and investigates referrals of lead poisoning. Investigations involve testing paint and other items in the home to determine if any of those items contain lead. If lead is present, recommendations for abatement are provided and children are referred for medical treatment if necessary.

Infants and toddlers living in homes built before 1977 may be exposed to lead. Many doctors today do blood screening to detect elevated blood lead levels in children. If an elevated level is found, the doctor can refer the case to the St. Clair County Health Department. Lead at high blood levels can result in death, but even low levels can permanently reduce the I.Q. of the child. The health department has a Lead Analyzer which is capable of isolating the sources of lead, within or outside, the home. The County also has a HEPA vacuum available free for public use.

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.

Contact Kevin McNeill at the St. Clair County Health Department with any questions or concerns regarding Lead or visit any of the links listed below:

Environmental Protection Agency Lead Documents (EPA)
Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH)

Mercury
Mercury is a toxic substance that 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.

Mercury is a dangerous and potent neurotoxin that affects the central nervous system, kidneys, and liver. Short-term exposure to high levels of mercury vapor can cause nausea, shortness of breath, pneumonitis and bronchitis. Extreme levels can cause tingling sensations in the fingers and toes, a numb sensation around the mouth, and tunnel vision. Long-term exposures can lead to personality changes, memory loss, stupor, and coma. In pregnant women, mercury can pass through the placenta where it affect fetal development by preventing the brain and nervous system from developing normally.

Contact Kevin McNeill at the St. Clair County Health Department with any questions or concerns regarding Mercury or visit any of the links listed below:

Mold
Mold describes a wide range of fungi found virtually everywhere indoors and outdoors. Mold can grow in and on plants, foods, dry leaves, other organic material, and in soil. In nature, molds play an important role in helping break down, or decompose, dead material. Molds produce microscopic cells called spores, which act like seeds to form new mold growths (colonies) when they find the right conditions. These spores are very lightweight and spread easily through the air. When molds grow indoors, spores become concentrated in the indoor air, and can cause health problems when they are inhaled in large numbers.

Contact Kevin McNeill at the St. Clair County Health Department with any questions or concerns regarding Molds or visit any of the links listed below:

Radon
Results from home radon tests in Washtenaw County indicate that over 80 percent of the homes tested above the national average for radon, and over 40 percent are above the 4.0 picocuries per liter "action level" as determined by the US Environmental Protection Agency.

Radon is second only to smoking as the cause of lung cancer in the US, causing an estimated 14,000 deaths per year. Your risk of lung cancer is greatly increased if your home has high levels of radon and you are a smoker or live with a smoker.

The St. Clair County Health Department Environmental Health Division sells home radon test kits. Call (810) 987-5306 for information. We also have information on radon reduction techniques, and have a list of contractors that conduct radon testing and mitigation.

Contact Kevin McNeill at the St. Clair County Health Department with any questions or concerns regarding Radon or visit any of the links listed below:

Indoor Air Quality

Contact Information