Environmental Health Division
The Environmental Health Division of Howard County's Health Department serves to protect both the public's health and the environment and to ensure and enforce compliance with public health regulations. Our main programs within the department focus on the following:
- Onsite Sewage Systems (Septic)
- Food Protection
- Public and Semi-Public Pools
- Rabies Surveillance
- Tattoo and Body Piercing
Records maintained in this division include septic permit records, food inspection reports, pool inspection, and water analysis reports, animal bite reports, and environmental complaints.
Food Complaints
To submit a food establishment complaint, please select the following link
Environmental Complaints
To submit an environmental complaint, please select the following link
Howard County Smoking Ordinance
To view the current Howard County Smoking Ordinance, please select the following link
Radon
What is it?
Radon is a colorless, odorless gas that occurs naturally in the environment and can cause lung cancer with prolonged exposure. It is important for homeowners to test their homes for radon every 1 to 2 years to monitor levels and know when to take action if it begins to build up to a dangerous level. Everyone is at risk for radon exposure, so it is recommended to take steps and precautions to limit this.
Find more information about radon below
How to detect it?
Radon can be detected in the air through simple, inexpensive test kits. There are two main types of tests: short-term and long-term. See below for the American Lung Association's description of each type of test.
- Short-term test kits: Short-term tests usually take two to seven days. To use a short-term radon test, place the kit in the lowest level regularly used in your home and where it will not be disturbed. Follow the test directions and other guidance to prevent problems that can affect the testing. Once the testing period is complete, seal the test kit and send it to a laboratory for analysis. Most test kits include the cost of lab analysis. In a matter of weeks, you will be told of the radon level in your home.
- Long-term test kits: Long-term tests tend to be more accurate because they collect more data. Long-term radon tests take at least three months and measure long-term averages. If you do not want to wait for a long-term test, short-term tests can tell if your home has a problem and requires follow-up testing.
Where to get tests?
- American Lung Association test kits ordering page
- Howard County Health Department offers free home test kits on a first-come, first-served basis. Visit the environmental division anytime during regular business hours to request a test kit.