The Monroe County Health Department is offering free blood lead screening.
Children should be screened for lead poisoning at about 1 year old and again at 2 years old due to children’s increased mobility and considerable hand-to-mouth activity during this time period, according to the health department. Additionally, any child between 3 and 6 years old who has never had a blood lead test should be screened, the health department also noted.
According to a press release prepared by the health department, “Lead poisoning is one of the most common and preventable childhood health problems today. Too much lead can affect virtually every system in the body.
“The most common cause of lead poisoning in Wisconsin is from old lead paint, particularly around window areas. However, regardless of known or suspected exposure to lead, all children should be screened.”
To schedule your child for a blood lead screening, which involves a finger stick, call the Monroe County Health Department at 269-8666.
