Lead and Lead Poisoning

Lead and You

Lead is a toxic metal that was regularly used in paints and other household material before it was banned by the EPA in 1978. Lead can still contaminate residential water supplies from lead-based materials used to carry the water to the distribution point. Lead is also emitted through industrial processes into our atmosphere and environment.

Childhood Lead Poisoning

Lead is dangerous to people of all ages, but especially to infants and children up to six years of age.  Children are more susceptible to lead because they tend to put objects into their mouth that potentially contain lead. The main sources of lead in children are lead-based paint chips, contaminated soils, and lead dust. Because the nervous system of infants and children is rapidly developing, lead can cause irreparable damage. When exposed to lead, children do not show obvious signs of illness unless the amount of lead in their body becomes extremely high. Lead can stunt nervous system development in children that can result in learning disabilities, hyperactivity, slow physical growth, and hearing impairment.

Lead Testing

Testing of lead in humans is done by doing a Blood Lead Level (BLL) Test. The test can be administered by a local physician and results are received shortly after.  Capillary blood lead levels are drawn on all 1 and 2 year olds enrolled in Sauk County’s Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program.  See bottom of webpage for link to WIC.

For Adults the normal BLL is less than 20 micrograms/dL.

For Children the normal BLL is less than 5 micrograms/dL

Public Health Nursing Services

A Public Health Nurse follows children with elevated blood lead levels of 5 micrograms/dL and greater to identify sources of lead exposure, reduce risks associated with exposures, and educate parents on eliminating lead hazards in the home.

Environmental Health Lead Services

If you or your child’s BLL is higher than the normal, further testing and monitoring should be done. We advise to have a Home Lead Risk Assessment done if results of a blood test are higher than normal BLL's. We provide these risk assessments which include an inspection and overview of your home and property to determine the threat of lead in your home.

If your child has one BLL over 20 micrograms/dl or two separate BLL’s over 15 micrograms/dL then we will provide a Lead Hazard Investigation. A Lead Hazard Instigation is much more thorough than a risk assessment and will test suspected leaded areas in your home to further determine the source of the high BLL’s.

Did You Know?

According to federal law, if you buy or rent a home built before 1978, you have the right to know if the seller or landlord has information about whether the home contains lead-based paint or any lead poisoning hazards.  The seller, landlord or sales agent must give you the EPA pamphlet "Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home." They must tell you what is known about the presence of lead-based paint or lead-based paint hazards in the home and give you any relevant records or reports.

The Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Rule Federal law requires that the seller, landlord, or sales agent of a property provide a copy of the pamphlet "Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home" and disclose to potential buyers or renters any known lead hazards. A disclosure form must be signed by the potential buyer or the tenant at the lease signing.

For information or to obtain forms, visit https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/lead/homepurchase.htm.