Lead testing now recommended for all children in Wisconsin, testing levels low post-pandemic

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- On Thursday, DHS secretary-designee Kirsten Johnson and lead policy advisor Brian Weaver announced the state's recommendation that all children of Wisconsin get tested for lead.

"Universal testing means all children should be tested at age one and again at age two. In addition, any child between the ages of three and five who has not been tested, should be," said Johnson.

DHS data said that since the pandemic, less children under six have been tested for lead, noting that in 2018 they recorded over 80,000 tests taken. But in 2020 until 2022, that number remained under about 70,000.

"It can hurt anyone, but it's especially dangerous for young children because their bodies and brains are going through significant development," said Johnson.

She said toddlers are most at risk since they are more prone to put objects or their hands into their mouths, which can cause a child to ingest lead over time.

Health officials said they're still gathering data for 2023 and said their numbers have not hit or surpassed 2019 numbers. They shared that roughly 75,000 children under six were tested for lead last year.

Weaver said, "3.2% of children tested in 2023 had lead poisoning at five micrograms per deciliter or greater." 

Sally Callan, chair of the Milwaukee-based Coalition on Lead Emergency, said although the recommendation is vital, more needs to be done.

"I am very glad they're bringing that up as an issue, but I really hope it becomes a mandate. And we'd also need resources from the state, it’s a lot to be testing kids," said Callan.

To mandate lead poisoning testing, it must be passed by law. In the meantime, health officials said Medicaid and insurance does cover that expense. The cost out of pocket could range between $10 to $75.

For more information from the DHS, click here.