LA CROSSE, Wis. – Good news for families! The La Crosse County Health Department is now providing free lead tests for children.
Starting January 1, 2024, Wisconsin’s health guidelines say that every child should get tested for lead at ages 1 and 2. Kids between 3 and 5 should also be tested if they haven’t already had a checkup.
Last year, La Crosse County saw 14 cases of lead poisoning in children. That’s why public health nurses are urging families to take advantage of these free tests. Lead poisoning often comes from older homes that still have lead-based paint.
Many families missed out last year. Over 1,500 children aged 1 or 2 in La Crosse County did not get tested. The health department wants to change that.
Lead exposure can have serious effects on young children. As public health nurse Shana Steedle explains, “Elevated lead levels can lead to developmental delays that affect a child’s physical abilities and behavior. The only way to know if a child has elevated lead levels is through testing.”
For more details on getting your child tested, visit this link.
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