Lead testing outreach

Twenty-four million homes in the U.S. have peeling or chipping lead-based paint and high levels of lead-contaminated house dust, according to the Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services. More than 4 million homes with lead paint contamination are occupied by young children.

Children's Community Health Plan wants to keep you and your children safe from lead paint hazards. Here are some guides to help prevent lead poisoning in your home:

Download Children's Community Health Plan's "Preventing childhood lead poisoning" guide (PDF).

Download the Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services lead poisoning tip sheet (PDF).

For more information on lead poisoning or lead testing, contact the Customer Service Line at (800) 482-8010.

What is childhood lead poisoning?

Lead is a metal that has been used for thousands of years to make many different products. Children can be exposed to lead in air, food and drinking water, and by coming into contact with different products. When a child has too much lead in their system, they don't look sick, but they can have many problems. Some examples of problems include trouble paying attention or concentrating, stomachache or headache, feeling tired frequently, trouble with coordination, showing aggressive behavior. Children with very high lead levels may have severe brain damage or could even die.  

Where is lead found?

Paint made before 1978 is the most common source of childhood lead poisoning. But, there are many other products that can contain lead such as:

• Soil or dirt where you live, or near a factory or auto shop.
• The pipes in some older homes.
• Candy and candy wrappers made outside the U.S.
• Some handmade pottery.
• Cast iron and metal pots made outside the U.S.
• Small toys made outside the U.S.
• Azarcon, greta and other powders used in home remedies. (Note: It is important to check with your doctor before giving your child any medicine or home remedies.)

How do I know if my child has lead poisoning?

Children should have a simple blood test at 1 and 2 years old. This can be as simple as a quick finger-stick in your doctor's office.  BadgerCarePlus pays for this test. If the level of lead in your child's blood is too high, the local health department will contact you or visit your home to help you find the source of the lead and help you fix the problem.  

Can I do anything to protect my child from lead poisoning?

Yes, there are several things you can do. Wash your child's hands and face often. Remember, small children put everything in their mouths, especially if they are teething, so wash your child's toys often.

Use cold water instead of hot, to make infant formula and for cooking. Let the cold water run for a minute before using it for cooking or for drinking.  This will help flush out any lead that may come from the pipes.  

Eating low-fat foods and foods high in iron and calcium can protect a child from lead poisoning. Some examples of good foods include: milk, yogurt, cheese, iron-fortified cereals, eggs, beans, raisins, green leafy vegetables, spinach, collard greens, fruits, whole grains and lean meats
 
For more information, contact your child's doctor or Children's Community Health Plan at (800) 482-8010.

Community Programs

For information about the Sixteenth Street Community Health Center's Community Lead Outreach Program:

Community Lead Outreach Program (PDF).

Lead Outreach Program Brochure (PDF).