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Lead-Safe Wisconsin: How to Make Your Home Lead-Safe

Key information

The only way to know if a child has been exposed to lead is by getting them tested. Wisconsin recommends that all children get a blood lead test at both age 1 and age 2. Children between ages 3 and 5 should also get a blood lead test if they have not yet. Learn more here: Get Your Child Tested for Lead

Most lead-poisoned children in Wisconsin are poisoned by exposure to lead paint and lead dust.

Your Local Health Department can provide you with local lead testing and care options.

Lead exposure is a serious health risk, especially for young children. There is no safe level of lead in the body. This is why preventing exposure to lead is so important.

Lead is most commonly found in homes and buildings constructed before 1978, particularly in paint, dust, soil, and plumbing. Exposure to lead paint is the most common cause of lead poisoning.

This page, you'll learn how to identify potential sources of lead and how to limit exposure to them.

Keep your home clean

Chipping, peeling paint and lead dust are two of the biggest sources of lead exposure in the home. A clean home is key to reducing lead exposure to this dust. When you clean well, it stops lead from building up on surfaces where children eat, play, and crawl.

What to focus on

Lead dust can hide anywhere in your home, but there some places with higher risks. When cleaning, make sure you focus on:

Young children spend a lot of time crawling, playing, and sitting on the floor. Lead dust naturally settles downward, so floors frequently expose children to lead.

Friction from opening and closing windows can grind lead-based paint into a fine dust. Window wells and sills often collect this dust. It can then get onto children's hands, toys, and nearby surfaces. Wipe these areas down often with disposable wet wipes.

These areas are often coated in old paint, which can chip or wear down. Since baseboards are at child level, kids may touch or mouth them without you realizing. Keep a close eye on peeling or damaged paint. Clean these surfaces regularly to prevent dust buildup.

Even if a surface doesn't appear dusty, lead can still be present in trace amounts. Children often put their hands and toys in their mouths. This makes these objects a major source of exposure. Wash your children's toys frequently, especially those used on the floor or outside.

Cleaning do's and don'ts

Do

Do use disposable wet wipes to clean floors, windows, entryways, and exposed surfaces.

Do wash your rags and mop heads separately from your clothes and other items after using them to clean.

Do use a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) vacuum if you must vacuum an area.

Do clean window wells and sills with disposable wet wipes at least weekly.

Do wash toys, formula bottles, and high-touch surfaces often.

Do use wet cleaning supplies that can be thrown away, such as disposable wet wipes.

Do use a mat or tray at your entryway and take off your shoes upon entry.

Don't

Don't sweep or dust. These actions can spread lead dust into the air.

Don't reuse dirty clothes without washing them first. Dirty clothes may have lead dust on them.

Don't use a standard vacuum. This can blow lead dust into the air.

Don't ignore paint chips or built-up dust in windows. These are common places for children to be exposed.

Don't let children chew on painted surfaces of windowsills.

Don't pour dirty mop water down the toilet if it could contain lead.

Don't track dirt inside the home.

Extra tips for safe cleaning

To avoid lead exposures, it's important clean effectively.

Start high, clean low.

Begin with higher surfaces like counters and shelves. Then, work your way to the floor to avoid recontamination.

Use disposable wet wipes.

Avoid spreading dust from one surface to another. It is no longer suggested to mop or Swiffer. Never dump dirty mop water down the toilet if it could contain lead.

Update your cleaning routine.

Do your best to clean weekly!

If you decide to renovate or live in a building with ongoing construction, it's also importance to increase cleaning.

Hire a Lead-Safe Contractor

Renovation work can release dangerous levels of lead dust in homes built before 1978. This includes any time you plan to repair, paint, or disturb old surfaces. When doing this work, it's important to hire a certified lead-safe contractor.

Learn more about hiring a lead-safe contractor with our step-by-step guide:

Learn how to hire a lead-safe contractor

Lead-safe renovation FAQs

Anything that could disturb lead paint or dust can create a lead hazard. Activities include:

  • Sanding or scraping painted surfaces.
  • Replacing windows or doors.
  • Demolishing walls or ceilings.
  • Repairing or disturbing old pluming.

Certified lead-safe renovators are trained to protect residents from lead paint and dust during renovation work. They use specialized tools, barriers, and cleanup procedures that prevent lead from spreading.

Additionally, hiring a certified professional is required by law for certain types of work. Learn more on the DHS Wisconsin's Lead-Safe Renovation Rule webpage.

How to verify your contractor's certification

Request proof of certification. Make sure to ask your contractor to provide their current certification credentials.

Check the certified lead company list. Wisconsin's Certification and Field Compliance Unit maintains a spreadsheet of certified lead companies.

Contact DHS for assistance. If you need help verifying a contractor's certification, you can reach out to our Certification and Field Compliance units!

Use safe water for drinking and cooking

Lead in water typically comes from old plumbing, pipes, or fixtures. Learn more about lead-in-water on our Sources of Lead page. To protect your family from lead-in-water:

  • Use only cold water for drinking, cooking, or preparing baby formula.
  • Run your tap for 30 seconds to two minutes if the water hasn't been used for several hours, such as overnight.
  • Consider using a certified water filter that removes lead. Always use as directed.

Contact your local water utility with any concerns about your area's water pipes or laterals.

Support healthy habits

Encourage a healthy diet

A healthy diet can help reduce how much lead the body absorbs. Certain nutrients make it harder for lead to stay in the body. Make sure your child's diet includes:

Iron-rich foods

  • Beans
  • Eggs
  • Fortified cereals
  • Lean meats
  • Spinach

Calcium-rich foods

  • Milk
  • Yogurt
  • Cheese
  • Leafy greens

Vitamin C-rich foods

  • Oranges
  • Strawberries
  • Bell peppers
  • Tomatoes

Serve regular meals and snacks. An empty stomach absorbs more lead. Keeping children well-fed can lower the risk of lead poisoning.

Practice good hygiene

  • Remind children to wash their hands frequently. This is most important to do before eating and sleeping and after playing.
  • Clean toys, bottles, and pacifiers often, especially if they've been on the floor.

Get your child tested for lead

In most cases, children with lead poisoning don't show symptoms until it is too late. The only way to know for sure if a child has been exposed to lead is through a blood test.

Wisconsin recommends that:

  • All children get a test at age 1 and age 2.
  • Children between ages 3 and 5 should also receive a blood test if they have not yet been tested.

Learn more here: Get Your Child Tested for Lead

Get support

Do you live in a home built before 1978?

If you're concerned about lead in your home, help is available. Wisconsin residents may qualify for free or low-cost services through the Lead-Safe Homes Program. This program offers testing, repairs, and abatement.

Explore more:

Glossary

 
Last revised April 6, 2026