Are you living in or renovating a home built before 1978?
The #1 source of lead exposure for children is household dust.
Many homes in Wisconsin were built when lead-based paint was still sold for use in the home. Wear and tear from normal household use, like opening and shutting windows and doors, creates dust that can contain lead from old paint. When remodeling pre-1978 homes, a lot of dust from lead paint can be created and spread quickly.
Just a small amount of lead dust can cause learning disabilities, developmental delays, and other behavior and health problems in young children. Fortunately, you can prevent lead exposure by making sure your home is lead-safe, even during renovation.
For Families
- Have your children tested for lead according to these guidelines.
- Learn about sources of lead, including water and soil. Find a certified lead investigation company to check your home for lead hazards, and test private well water for lead.
- Hire a certified lead-safe renovation company for your next remodeling project.
- Read more about protecting your children from lead exposure.
For Contractors and Do-it-Yourselfers
- Watch these short videos showing what lead-safe work really looks like.
- Find a training provider near you and sign up for a lead-safe renovation class. You'll learn how to work safely and have the chance to practice your skills with real hands-on exercises.
- Get certified before you renovate property where anyone other than you and your immediate family live.
- Learn how to protect yourself and your family when your job or hobbies involve lead.
Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Information
The Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (CLPPP) maintains Wisconsin childhood blood lead testing results, which it uses to support local public health interventions. Data maintained by CLPPP makes it possible to research the effects of lead exposure on young children as they age and attend elementary school.
Latest Resources from CLPPP
- Guidance for Child Care Providers Regarding Lead-Based Paint Hazards in Child Care Settings, P-02105 (PDF) [For best results when printing this pamphlet, save it to your desktop and print it from there.]
- Lead Poisoning: Emerging Sources of Lead, P-01887A (PDF)
- 2016 Report on Childhood Lead Poisoning in Wisconsin, P-01202-16 (PDF)
Training and Certification for Lead Paint Work
Training and certification are required to do most paint-disturbing renovations in housing and child-occupied facilities built before 1978. There are training and certification requirements for other types of lead work, including lead risk assessment, inspection and abatement of lead hazards.
Review the Certification Requirements for Lead Disciplines, P-00848 (PDF) for an overview of the different types of certification and the requirements for each.
Our guide to Getting Certified to Work with Lead-Based Paint walks you through the process.
To determine whether Wisconsin's Lead-Safe Renovation Rule applies to the project you're planning, read our Frequently Asked Questions, send us an email or call our office at 608-261-6876.
