Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention & Intervention Program

Introduction
Childhood lead poisoning is one of the most common and preventable health problems today.  Lead poisoned children are found in every county in Wisconsin.  Over 2,000 children are affected by lead each year in Wisconsin.  If your home was built before 1978, it most likely has lead paint.  If it was built before 1950, the paint contains more lead.

The long term effects of lead in a child can be severe and include:
  • Learning disabilities
  • Decreased growth
  • Hyperactivity
  • Impaired hearing
  • Brain damage
If caught early, these effects can be limited by reducing exposure to lead and medical treatment.

Criteria
The only way to know if your child is lead poisoned is to have your child's blood tested.  This is usually recommended for children ages 1 and 2, but can be done on children 9 months to six years.  Primary care providers can assist with getting your child's blood tested.

A child is considered lead poisoned if they have a blood lead level (BLL) of 5 mcg/di or greater.  Families with lead poisoned children are eligible for services.  A public health nurse can offer to make a home visit to provide the following services:
  • Provide education about lead poisoning and prevention
  • Conduct a visual inspection of the home for evidence of lead exposure risks
  • Provide case management for children/families identified as having elevated blood lead levels
  • Refer to the environmental health specialist (certified lead risk inspector) in the Public Health Services to conduct a lead risk assessment
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