There are many sources of lead in the environment that can harm people’s health. Children are most at risk for exposure to lead-based paint found in homes and childcare centers built before 1978. Adults can be harmed by lead poisoning, too—most commonly in the workplace. Plus, they can unknowingly bring lead dust home with them and expose their children.
The primary source of lead exposure in Wisconsin is lead in paint or varnish in household dust. Yet it can also be found in the soil and air from car, plane, and factory emissions—and it’s been found in water in some parts of the state.
Less commonly in Wisconsin, lead has been found in other products, such as home remedies, makeup, and certain spices. Learn more about common sources of lead.
In 1978, lead was banned from being added to paint and varnish for residential use because researchers found it can be toxic to humans and animals. It can damage the brain and other systems, leading to:
How does lead poison?
Lead poisoning occurs in a few common ways:
-
Lead-tainted dust can get on children’s hands and into their mouths. This can happen because chipping and peeling lead-based paint in older homes is ground to a very fine dust and largely invisible. It can gather in windows, on floors, porches, and in the soil.
-
Lead-based paint can be disturbed during renovations or remodeling. If the work is not conducted safely, the lead fumes and dust in the air can be inhaled or ingested by people in the area.
-
Lead can also be found in:
-
Drinking water service lines and fixtures.
-
Soil from leaded gasoline.
-
Paint and industrial emissions.
-
Products such as toys, children’s jewelry, candies, and traditional remedies, like powders for arthritis.
Childhood Lead Poisoning
Lead is dangerous to people of all ages, but especially to infants and children up to six years of age. Children are more susceptible to lead because they tend to put objects into their mouth that potentially contain lead. The main sources of lead in children are lead-based paint chips, contaminated soils, and lead dust. Because the nervous system of infants and children is rapidly developing, lead can cause irreparable damage. When exposed to lead, children do not show obvious signs of illness unless the amount of lead in their body becomes extremely high. Lead can stunt nervous system development in children that can result in learning disabilities, hyperactivity, slow physical growth, and hearing impairment.
When should children get tested for lead poisoning?
Universal testing means all children should get at least two lead tests by age 2. Children age 3 to 5 should get tested if they have no record of a previous test. Starting January 2024, Wisconsin recommends testing:
Additionally, all children under 17 years of age can be tested if:
-
Their parent or guardian expresses concern about lead exposure or asks for their child to be tested for lead poisoning.
-
Their health care provider becomes aware of possible lead exposure or lead poisoning risk factors.
-
They are a newly arrived refugee. CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) recommends testing at arrival and again three to six months after the initial test.
Public Health Nursing Services
A Public Health Nurse follows children with elevated blood lead levels of 3.5 micrograms/dL and greater to identify sources of lead exposure, reduce risks associated with exposures, and educate parents on eliminating lead hazards in the home.