Lead

La Crosse County Health Department offers free blood lead testing for children between 1 and 5 years old.  It is a finger poke blood test, not a blood draw.

Call 608-785-9872 to schedule a blood lead test for your child.

Blood Lead Testing

Children

The best way to know if your child has been exposed to lead is to get them tested.  Lead is a metal that is toxic if it gets into our bodies.  It can affect a developing child's brain, body, or behavior.  The effects of lead can last forever.  The best age to get your child tested is: 

• All children at age 1
• All children at age 2
• All children between age 3 and 5 if they have not had a lead test before

School Age/Teens

If your child is older than 5 years old, and you are worried about possible lead exposure, call your doctor or local community clinic to discuss a lead test.  It will likely be recommended.

Adults

Certain occupations and hobbies can put adults at risk for lead poisoning. If you would like to be tested for lead, contact your doctor or local community clinic.

Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention

La Crosse County Health Department provides follow-up services for children in La Crosse County with a lead level of 3.5 mcg/dL and above. Services include:

• Nursing case management by a Public Health Nurse. This includes a home visit, lead prevention education, monitoring of lead levels, and consulting with the child’s primary care provider.
• Referral to a La Crosse County Registered Dietician for lead poisoning prevention nutrition education if needed.
• Referral to a Lead Risk Assessor to identify sources of lead exposure.

Lead In Your Home

Home Testing

• Find a Lead-Safe Company (wi.gov) that performs lead investigations.
• Chemical testing swabs and mail-in testing kits are available for purchase online or at local hardware stores.

Resources

• Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home
• The Lead-Safe Certified Guide to Renovate Right (EPA)
• City of La Crosse Lead Safe Homes
• Lead-Safe Wisconsin | Wisconsin Department of Health Services
• Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program | CDC

Environmental Lead Concerns

You can notify the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) of unsafe lead or asbestos work going on in your community by clicking on this link: Report Unsafe Lead or Asbestos Work.