FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 23, 2024   

Lead Poisoning Prevention Week:
MHD Issues New Testing Recommendations to Protect Children

MILWAUKEE – Lead poisoning remains one of the most serious health threats facing young children in Milwaukee, especially for those living in homes built before 1978. Lead-based paint is the most common and dangerous source of exposure. Each year, roughly 1,000 Milwaukee children under the age of 6 receive a blood lead test result above 3.5 µg/dL, which is higher than 97% of kids across the country.

This year, as part of National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, the City of Milwaukee Health Department (MHD) is raising awareness about the hazards of lead exposure and promoting its new lead testing recommendations to better protect Milwaukee families.

Lead exposure can have long-lasting effects on children, including developmental delays, learning disabilities, and behavioral challenges. MHD is urging parents, caregivers, and property owners to take immediate steps to reduce lead hazards in their homes and ensure children are regularly screened for lead.
 

New Testing Recommendations

MHD has updated its testing guidelines to better safeguard children in the city. Previously, MHD did not recommend universal testing annually after 24 months unless a child tested positive for elevated blood lead levels. However, due to Milwaukee’s large population, the high prevalence of lead paint and other lead hazards, and the deterioration of older homes, MHD is now adopting a more aggressive testing schedule than both its previous recommendations and the state’s current guidelines.

MHD’s new recommendations call for universal blood lead testing for all children in Milwaukee at 12, 18, and 24 months, and then annually through the age of 5, regardless of their previous testing schedule or results. This approach provides earlier detection and more frequent monitoring in areas at high risk for lead exposure.

“Lead poisoning is a silent and invisible hazard that can go undetected until serious damage is done,” said Commissioner of Health Mike Totoraitis, PhD. “Our updated testing schedule is aimed at catching and preventing lead exposure as early as possible to ensure better long-term health outcomes for children.”
 

Insurance Coverage

Most insurance plans, including Medicaid, fully cover lead tests. With 77% of Milwaukee children under 6 enrolled in Medicaid, most families are covered. Parents are urged to schedule regular lead tests to safeguard their children.

Lead-Safe Home Measures Residents can reduce lead exposure from lead paint and dust in their homes by taking a few simple precautions:

• Regularly clean floors, windowsills, and other surfaces using wet cleaning methods to minimize lead dust.
• Take shoes off at the door to avoid tracking in contaminated soil.
• Wash toys and children’s hands frequently, especially after outdoor play and before meals.
• Ensure children’s play areas are free from chipping paint or bare soil. Safe Drinking Water Tips Lead can also enter drinking water, posing another risk to young children and pregnant individuals. To reduce lead exposure from water, MHD recommends: Using a lead-removing water filter, particularly for infants and pregnant people.
• Running cold water for 3 minutes before use.
• Drinking and cooking only with water from the cold tap. Residents can find out if their home has a lead service line by checking online or calling Milwaukee Water Works.
   

Call to Action

During Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, MHD encourages all residents to take steps to protect their homes and families. MHD also stresses the importance of sharing information with others, particularly those living in older homes. Regular blood lead level testing in young children, proper cleaning techniques, and the use of safe water practices are essential in keeping Milwaukee’s children lead-safe.

Healthcare providers in the area are also critical partners in ensuring the success of MHD’s lead testing recommendations. To assist providers, MHD has created a dedicated resource page with frequently asked questions and guidelines. Medical professionals can access this information to help integrate the updated recommendations into their practices. Visit the Lead Testing Recommendations for Medical Providers webpage for details.

Check out MHD’s newest blog post, Invisible Danger: The Lead Paint Crisis in Milwaukee and MHD’s New Protective Recommendations, for an in-depth discussion around lead paint in Milwaukee, featuring calls to action from MHD leadership, a family’s personal story with lead abatement, and advice on how to keep your family safe from lead paint.

Community members and medical providers searching for additional information on MHD’s lead safety initiatives and resources can visit milwaukee.gov/HEH or call the City of Milwaukee Health Department at (414) 286-6800. For details regarding National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, visit Lead Safe Wisconsin.

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