Protecting Children from Lead Poisoning

La Crosse County public health nurses intervened in 14 cases of childhood lead poisoning last year, underscoring an ongoing public health concern. The La Crosse County Health Department is working to raise awareness and encourage more families to take advantage of free lead testing services.

Childhood lead poisoning is linked to lifelong health challenges, including lower IQ, learning difficulties, and behavioral issues. Even low levels of lead exposure can have serious consequences, making early detection critical.

To combat this issue, the Health Department offers blood lead screenings for children between the ages of 1 and 5, regardless of insurance status. Testing is also available through healthcare providers. However, a significant number of children remain untested. Last year, 593 children aged 1 and 2 received at least one lead test, while 1,647 did not undergo screening.

“We are using every tool at our disposal to close the testing gap,” said Bridget Boland-Cardinali, Access to Care Manager at the Health Department. “But we need the public’s help to raise awareness about the importance of lead testing for children.”

As of January 1, 2024, the State of Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) updated testing recommendations to “universal testing.” This means all children should be tested at age 1, and again at age 2. All children between the age of 3-5 years old should be tested if they have not been already.

A public health nurse from the Health Department follows up with children who test at 3.5 mcg/dL and above. This may involve a phone call and a home visit to identify possible risk factors. Reminders are sent to complete lead testing every 1-3 months, and developmental screening is recommended. For children who test at 5 mcg/dL and above, a lead risk assessment may be conducted that includes testing of paint, dust and soil in the child’s home and places they frequently visit.

One recent local example showed the importance of testing. The case involved a 12-month-old child who had a lead level of 41.8 mcg/dL—far exceeding the intervention threshold of 3.5 mcg/dL. The child lived in a rental home built in 1901 that contained lead-based paint, the most common source of lead poisoning in the county. Following the diagnosis, the home was condemned. After three years, the child’s lead levels remained above the level of concern, though they showed signs of improvement.

Lead poisoning is a preventable public health issue, Boland-Cardinali added, and she urges parents to ensure their children are tested. To schedule a free lead test for a child at the Health Department, call 608-785-9872, or learn more at lacrossecounty.org/health.