Free lead testing in Milwaukee: What you need to know

Lead poisoning in Milwaukee is back in focus after a case at Golda Meir Lower School. Officials stress the importance of testing for children.

In Milwaukee, a recent lead exposure incident at Golda Meir Lower School has reignited concerns about lead poisoning risks in the community. With lead contamination remaining a persistent threat to public health, particularly for young children, understanding prevention and testing options has become increasingly crucial for Milwaukee residents.

Understanding the lead poisoning threat in Milwaukee

The Milwaukee Health Department recently investigated a case where a student was exposed to chipping lead paint in a school bathroom. Tyler Weber, deputy commissioner of environmental health, confirmed that while immediate hazards have been controlled, the department is conducting additional water testing at the facility.

Lead poisoning poses a particularly severe threat to Milwaukee’s youngest residents. According to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, it can cause significant learning and behavioral challenges in children, who absorb lead at higher rates than adults. The Milwaukee Health Department has designated lead poisoning as “one of the most serious health threats facing young children in Milwaukee.”

Lead exposure can have devastating effects on children’s development, impacting:

• Brain development
• Behavior
• Growth
• Learning potential
• Lifelong health

Testing recommendations and resources

Health officials strongly advocate for regular blood testing, particularly for children under 5 years old. The Milwaukee Health Department recommends specific testing intervals:

– At 12 months of age
– At 18 months of age
– At 24 months of age
– Annual testing until age 5

For families concerned about testing costs, several options exist. BadgerCare Plus members can access free lead testing, with coverage extending to children in families earning up to 300% of the poverty level. Additionally, the MacCanon Brown Homeless Sanctuary and Coalition on Lead Emergency offer free monthly testing clinics with incentives including stuffed animals for children and gift cards for families.

Prevention strategies for Milwaukee residents

Caroline Reinwald, Milwaukee Health Department spokesperson, identifies lead paint as the leading cause of lead poisoning in Milwaukee. For homes built before 1978, when lead paint was banned, the Environmental Protection Agency recommends:

– Regular cleaning of surfaces with warm, soapy water
– Frequent hand washing
– Regular cleaning of children’s items like pacifiers and toys

Water contamination presents another significant risk. Milwaukee residents can verify if their building has lead pipes through the city’s online verification system. To reduce lead exposure from water, Milwaukee Water Works recommends running water for three minutes before use and using only cold water for drinking and cooking.

Weber emphasizes the importance of vigilance: “It’s not always apparent if your child is lead poisoned. That’s why it is important to follow our blood screening recommendation … especially if you are a child in the city of Milwaukee.”

This story was generated in part by AI and edited by The UpNorthNews staff.

This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.

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