Childhood Blood Lead Levels in Wisconsin
Wisconsin tracks blood lead levels in children through its state health surveillance system. This data helps identify neighborhoods and populations where children face higher exposure risk—whether from drinking water, dust, paint, or soil.
Why blood lead screening matters
A child's blood lead level (BLL) shows how much lead they've absorbed into their body. Even low levels can affect brain development, learning, and behavior. The CDC recommends universal screening for children ages 1–2, and targeted screening for children 3–5 in high-risk areas. In Wisconsin, Medicaid covers blood lead testing for all enrolled children under age 6.
Wisconsin's tracking system
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services tracks reported blood lead results from laboratories across the state. This surveillance data is publicly available at the county level and shows the percentage of children screened who have elevated blood lead (≥5 µg/dL, the CDC's reference value).
County-level data helps identify geographic hotspots. If your county shows a higher percentage of children with elevated levels, that's a signal to:
- Get your child tested if they haven't been
- Ask your pediatrician about home sources (old paint, dust, soil)
- Consider testing your home's water if it hasn't been done
How to get your child tested
Ask your pediatrician or contact your local health department for a blood lead screening. Testing is free or low-cost under Medicaid. Results are usually available within 1–2 weeks.
If your child has an elevated level, your health department can help identify sources in your home and connect you to cleanup resources or home modification programs.
If you're concerned about water
Wisconsin has over 10,000 public water systems serving about 5 million people. If you live in a home built before 1986 (when lead solder in plumbing was banned), your service line or interior plumbing may contain lead. Contact your water utility to:
- Ask if they have a lead service line inventory
- Request a free or subsidized water test for lead
- Learn about replacement programs or faucet filters
Next steps for residents
- Schedule a blood lead test for your child through your pediatrician or local health department
- Visit the Wisconsin Department of Health Services lead program page to find county-level data and your local health office
- If you rent, ask your landlord when the home was built and whether lead paint or old plumbing has been addressed
- Contact your water utility to learn about lead in service lines and household plumbing
```json [ { "q": "What is a normal blood lead level for children?", "a": "The CDC uses 5 µg/dL (micrograms per deciliter) as the reference value that triggers further action. Ideally, children have no lead in their blood, but levels below 5 µg/dL are common. Talk to your pediatrician about your child's specific result." }, { "q": "Can lead in drinking water cause elevated blood lead in kids?", "a": "Yes, drinking water from old lead service lines or plumbing can contribute to blood lead exposure, especially for infants and young children whose bodies absorb lead more easily. However, most elevated childhood blood lead comes from lead paint dust in older homes, not water alone." }, { "q": "Is blood lead testing free in Wisconsin?", "a": "Yes, Medicaid covers blood lead testing for children under age 6. Uninsured children can also get free or low-cost testing through local health departments. Ask your pediatrician or health department office for details." }, { "q": "Where can I find blood lead data for my Wisconsin county?", "a": "Contact the Wisconsin Department of Health Services or your local health department for county-level surveillance reports. They can also tell you how many children in your area have been screened and what percentage have elevated levels."