Lead Poisoning

What is Lead Poisoning?
  • Lead poisoning is caused by swallowing or breathing lead.
  • Children under 6 years old are most at risk.
  • Most children get lead poisoning from paint dust in homes built before 1978.
  • Lead poisoning can cause learning disabilities and behavior problems.
  • A lead test is the only way to know if a child has lead poisoning.
How Lead Affects the Body

Even if there are no clear signs of lead poisoning, lead still affects the body. Even low levels of lead in the blood of children can result in:

  • Behavior problems and hyperactivity
  • Lower IQ and learning problems
  • Slowed growth
  • Hearing problems
  • Anemia
How Lead Poisoning Happens

The most common cause of lead poisoning is when children play near areas with worn out or damaged paint. They can get invisible lead dust on their hands and toys. Then, when they put their hands or toys in their mouth, they can get lead poisoning.

Lead in Your Home

Lead is often found in:

  • Paint and varnish in homes built before 1978, especially if it is peeling or chipping.
  • Drinking water when lead pipes or solder are present.
  • Dirt, hobby areas and workplaces, varnishes on antiques, old painted toys and pottery.
  • Leafy vegetables grown in contaminated soil or chicken eggs from chickens that ate lead contaminated materials PDF.
  • Certain imported candies, ceramic dishes, and folk remedies may also be contaminated with lead.
Protect Your Child From Lead

Anyone can get lead poisoning, but children between six months and six years of age are at highest risk.

Things that put small children at risk for lead poisoning:

  • They put their fingers and toys in their mouths a lot.
  • They play on the ground and floor where paint chips and lead dust may have fallen.
  • They chew and put their mouth on painted window sills, furniture, and railings.
  • They eat dirt and paint chips.
Signs of lead poisoning

Often there are no signs. Your child can have lead poisoning and not look or act sick. The only way to know is to have a blood test done.

Get Your Child Tested for Lead

Talk with your child’s health care provider about lead poisoning testing. Read more about testing recommendations PDF . 

  • If you think your child has been exposed to lead, ask about lead poisoning testing from your provider.
  • If you do not have health insurance call us at (608) 266-4821 and ask to speak with the Lead Program Nurse.
If you buy a home or rent an apartment:
  • If you buy a home built before 1978, you must be told if there are lead hazards in the home.
  • If you rent an apartment built before 1978, your landlord must tell you if there are lead hazards before you sign a lease. It is against the law for you to be evicted or harassed if you complain about lead.
  • Call us if you have not received information about possible lead hazards in your home or rental.
Painting or remodeling?

To find a lead certified company, follow this link: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/lead/contractor/index.htm

For additional education and information on lead poisoning prevention, please follow these links:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program: https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/about/program.htm

Lead-Safe Wisconsin:  https://dhs.wisconsin.gov/lead