![News and Alerts](https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/KYLOUISVILLE/2022/12/6908356/news-and-alerts-banner_original.png) Friday, January 12, 2024
National Radon Action Month is a reminder to protect your home and health
![radon](https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/KYLOUISVILLE/2024/01/8789988/radon_original.jpg) January is National Radon Action Month, a reminder to take action against the second-leading cause of lung cancer. Radon is an odorless, colorless, radioactive gas that naturally occurs from the breakdown – or the radioactive decay – of uranium. Rocks, soil, and in some cases, groundwater can contain uranium. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), radon is responsible for about 21,000 lung cancer deaths every year. About 2,900 of these deaths occur among people who have never smoked.
The only way to know if radon exists at dangerous levels in your home is to test for it. Home radon tests are simple and inexpensive — and can help save lives. Homeowners can test their homes with a simple kit — and if their home has high radon levels, they can fix it. Radon reduction repairs can be completed by a licensed radon mitigation contractor.
Here are a few tips to help prevent radon in your home:
- Stop smoking and discourage smoking in your home.
- Smoking significantly increases the risk of lung cancer from radon.
- Increase airflow in your house by opening windows and using fans and vents to circulate air.
- Seal cracks in floors and walls with plaster, caulk, or other materials designed for this purpose.
- Seek a qualified contractor to help remove the radon from your home.
Many radon test kits can be found at WalMart, Target, home improvement stores, and online retailers. Follow the directions on the packaging for the proper placement of the device and where to send the device after the test to find out your radon level.
For more information about radon, please visit our website, https://louisvilleky.gov/government/health-wellness/radon.
Your questions answered: Tattoo and body art shops
![Art of tattoo inspections](https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/KYLOUISVILLE/2024/01/8787041/the-art-of-tattoo-inspections_original.png) How many tattoo studios do we inspect each year? How often?
Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness inspects 116 facilities twice a year.
What are the most common violations in tattoo studios? Why do we inspect them?
The most common violations are:
- Bloodborne pathogen training has expired.
- Client records are not maintained.
- Violating restrictions on procedures for clients under 18.
- Expired needles and instruments.
We must inspect them because infections from tattooing can be life-threatening. Clients can be at risk of dangers from hepatitis to staph infections. The superbug Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection has also been linked to tattoos. Dirty needles and unsanitary conditions are often to blame. We emphasize the importance of using sterilization equipment and techniques, good personal hygiene and proper disposal of waste generated during the tattoo and body piercing procedures.
What do we mean by body art? Does that include piercings?
Body art includes tattooing, body piercing, ear-piercing, permanent makeup and microblading.
What about microblading? Is that considered tattooing?
Microblading is a semi-permanent form of brow tattooing.
If someone wants to open their own tattoo or piercing studio, what permits do they need?
They must submit floor plans with the full studio layout and plumbing fixtures to our Plan Review team for approval.
Where can they find regulations?
Regulations are on our website and the state website.
For more information about tattoo and body art studios and regulations, please visit our Tattoo and Body Art website or call 502-574-6650.
Vaccine poster and media contest invites students to tap into creative skills
![Poster contest](https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/KYLOUISVILLE/2024/01/8786360/5185189/vaccine-contest-poster_crop.png) Calling all budding artists! Any public or private school student from kindergarten through 12th grade is invited to illustrate the importance of routine childhood vaccines by designing a poster, brochure or short video.
Regional and state winners will be announced at the KHSAA Boys Basketball Tournament in March.
The $500 prize is sponsored by the Kentucky Association of Health Care Plans (KAHP) and will be awarded to one state elementary, middle and high school student.
Please email LouMetroHealth@louisvilleky.gov and include your name, school, grade, and phone number with the submission. Entries will be accepted until Feb. 23.
Click here for official rules and additional resources about the contest.
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