Wisconsin Expands Lead Testing for Young Children Amid Prevention Efforts
In a significant public health initiative, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has reported a notable 26% increase in the screening of children under the age of six for lead exposure. This surge in testing aims to identify and mitigate lead poisoning cases earlier. As part of National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, observed from October 19-25, DHS is urging parents and caregivers to prioritize lead exposure testing and remain vigilant about common lead sources to protect children’s health.
Governor Tony Evers emphasized the importance of these efforts, stating, “No amount of lead exposure is safe for kids, and even the smallest exposure to lead can have serious, long-term consequences impacting kids’ learning capacity, ability to pay attention, and academic achievement.” To combat this issue, the governor recently approved an emergency rule lowering Wisconsin’s lead poisoning threshold, thereby expanding eligibility for intervention resources. The initiative has successfully facilitated wider screening across the state, ensuring that necessary resources reach affected families promptly.
According to DHS Secretary Kirsten Johnson, “Every child deserves the chance to grow up in a safe environment.” Recent updates to statewide testing recommendations have empowered healthcare providers and public health officials to identify children exposed to lead. However, she contends that preventing lead exposure at home remains the most effective strategy for safeguarding children’s well-being in Wisconsin.
The 2024 revision of blood-lead testing guidelines recommends that all children undergo testing at ages one and two. This revision has led to approximately 99,500 children being tested, uncovering over 4,800 cases of lead poisoning. This early detection has increased the distribution of information regarding intervention and prevention resources to families in need.
State health officer Paula Tran highlighted the importance of early detection, noting, “Catching lead exposures early is vital in preventing lasting health impacts. Lead exposure during childhood can have lasting impacts, including reduced IQ, behavioral challenges, slowed growth, and delayed speech.” She stressed that a blood lead test is the sole method to confirm lead exposure.
Lead exposure risks persist in older homes and buildings due to the presence of lead in paint, dust, pipes, and soil. Additionally, various products such as toys, pottery, and makeup from other countries may contain lead. Adult occupations and hobbies, including shooting, hunting, construction, or stained-glass work, may also contribute to take-home lead exposure. More details can be found at Lead-Safe Wisconsin: Sources of Lead.
Lead exposure typically occurs through ingestion or inhalation. Homes built before 1978 may contain lead paint, which, when it deteriorates, produces hazardous lead dust that can accumulate on surfaces frequented by children. To mitigate this risk, DHS advises families to clean high-risk surfaces like floors, windowsills, and toys with disposable wet wipes weekly, avoiding sweeping or dusting which can further disperse lead dust.
For families worried about lead in their homes, the Lead-Safe Homes Program (LSPH) offers assistance. Targeted at Medicaid or BadgerCare Plus recipients, this initiative has renovated over 500 homes throughout Wisconsin as of 2025, making them lead-safe for children and pregnant women.
Brian Weaver, lead policy advisor at the Division of Public Health, underscored the broader impact of the program, stating, “For impacted families, the Lead-Safe Homes Program is about more than just helping with lead abatement or renovation. It’s about giving families peace-of-mind. Parents and guardians can stop worrying about the old, peeling paint on their walls and instead focus on watching their kids grow.”
Despite progress in addressing lead hazards, challenges remain. Governor Evers’ 2025-27 Executive Budget proposed over $6 million to bolster local health departments’ lead poisoning intervention efforts, including financial aid for replacing lead service lines and ensuring safe drinking water in schools and child care facilities. However, these proposals were removed by the state’s budget committee.
For further information, visit DHS resources to know the facts, get your child tested, and keep your home lead-safe.
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