MONROE — As part of an ongoing commitment to improving environmental health for families, Green County Public Health, along with the Southwest 7 Regional Partnership, is reminding parents, healthcare providers, and caregivers that every child should be tested for lead at age 1 and again at age 2.
Lead is a toxic metal, and while lead poisoning is completely preventable, it is still a risk to kids in our community. According to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, there is no safe level of lead in a child’s blood. Even small amounts can cause health issues and affect their brain health. Childhood lead poisoning can lead to Lower IQ and learning difficulties, Delayed speech and language skills, and slowed physical growth and hearing issues, among other health consequences.
Lead can come from the environments where kids live, play, and learn. The most common source of childhood lead poisoning is dust and chips from deteriorating lead-based paint, which was widely used in homes before 1978. When old paint cracks, peels, or rubs together (such as when windows open and close), it creates lead dust that settles on floors and toys. Other potential sources include contaminated soil, water pipes, and some imported toys, ceramics, or cosmetics. Because lead is invisible, odorless, and often hidden in plain sight in our everyday environments, a simple blood test is the best way to know whether a child has been exposed and has high blood lead levels that can affect their health. It is best practice to test kids in Wisconsin at ages 1 and 2 because, without testing, exposure can go unnoticed for years and lead to worse health outcomes.
“Lead poisoning is entirely preventable, yet it remains a significant threat to our youngest residents. When testing happens at ages 1 and 2, it allows us to catch lead exposure early, find the environmental source, and keep kids healthy,” said Ginny Fricke, Public Health Nurse. “Our goal is to make sure families know to test their kids for lead at age 1 and 2 years old.”
Green County Public Health recommends that local parents and caregivers talk to their child’s healthcare provider about a simple blood lead test for children at ages 1 and 2, or older children who have never been tested.
If your child tests high for lead, Green County Public Health is here to help. Its team can assess your home to help find where the lead may be coming from and guide you through the steps to fix it. To learn more about lead poisoning prevention, visit https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/lead/families.htm or call Green County Public Health: 608-328-9390.