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1. I am selling my home that has a septic system and a well. A lending company says I need to have them checked. What do I do?

Contact our office at (319) 892-6000 to request a septic and well review. Our staff will conduct tests on the systems and provide a report that states the reliability and safety of the systems. A well water analysis can also be conducted.

2. My business needs to install equipment that requires venting. Do I need a permit for my air exhaust?

Public Health, fire or building and zoning departments may require permits. Any process creating or venting an air contaminate should be considered for a permit from Public Health. Contaminates include both particles and gases. There are a number of exemptions such as mobile sources, residential heating, lab vents, and similar small sources that aren’t associated with any production or manufacturing. Please refer to our code section 10.5 “Locally Required Permits”. If you are unsure as to the need for an air permit, the best answer is to contact our office by telephone at (319) 892-6000. Someone in the Air Quality section will be able to assess your need regarding the permit requirements

3. How would my child become lead poisoned?

The number one cause of children becoming lead poisoned is deteriorating lead-based paint found in older homes. Lead dust is also a concern when you have lead-based paint on surfaces that are chewable or that undergo friction or impact. The only way to know whether your child is lead poisoned is through a blood lead test.

4. Where can I get the 8-hour Lead Safe Renovation, Remodeling & Painting training?

Classes are conducted at the Linn County Public Health building. Click here to see a list of scheduled classes.

5. What is radon?

Radon is a colorless, odorless radioactive gas present in the soil. Radon can lead to lung cancer when it gets into buildings where we breathe the radon and it's radioactive decay products.

Radon is undetectable except through specific testing. Every home in Iowa should be tested for radon. Most people start the testing process by using a do-it-yourself radon test kit. Testing for real estate transactions is a little different, call for information 1-319-892-6000 or www.lchh.org

6. Where can radon test kits be purchased?

Many local health departments as well as department stores offer radon test kits. Call 1-319-892-6000 or visit www.lchh.org for information on purchasing a kit or with any other questions about radon.

7. Can new homes be built to lessen the entry of radon into the home?

Yes! New homes can include a passive radon system that will prevent some radon from entering the home and provide infrastructure for easily and cheaply reducing radon levels further when needed. For information on new construction techniques call 1-319-892-6000 or www.lchh.org.

8. Can my work, home or school be inspected for indoor air quality (IAQ) concerns?

Inspections for IAQ concerns, including mold, can be scheduled by calling (319) 892-6000.

9. Why can I not burn my leaves and garden material when I live in Cedar Rapids, Hiawatha or Marion?

The State of Iowa and Linn County have implemented restrictions on burning as set out in the Air Quality State Implementation Plan.

10. Where can I get my child tested for lead poisoning

You may call 319-892-6000 and ask for the Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program to schedule an appointment for your child. This testing is free to Linn County children age 12 months to 6 years.