Lead-Safe Wisconsin: Statutes and Administrative Rules for Lead Poisoning Prevention
Give your input on draft proposed rules
From now until October 8, 2026, we're seeking input on the economic impact of draft proposed rules in ch. DHS 163 (PDF), relating to certification for the identification, removal and reduction of lead-based paint hazards. See our Administrative Rules webpage for details.
There are several statutes and rules in Wisconsin to regulate activities that involve lead-based paint hazards.
They provide requirements for:
- House sales.
- Landlord and tenant agreements.
- Lead hazard reduction and renovation.
- Public health response to lead poisoning.
- Residential facilities.
- The reporting of blood lead test results for adults and children.
Federal rules also protect against lead exposure:
OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) standards include protection for those involved in painting, renovating, or other uses of paint. (Note that OSHA is in the process of revising its standards to reflect the latest science on the health effects of lead, which shows that problems can occur at lower levels of exposure than previously thought.)
Learn more about federal lead laws and regulations.
Apply for lead or asbestos certification
- Environmental health
- Landlord and tenant
- Disclosures by owners of residential real estate
- Certification for the identification, removal, and reduction of lead-based paint hazards
- Wisconsin Admin. Code ch. DHS 163 (PDF)
- List of significant changes to the rule that went into effect in July 2021
- How this rule affects contractors working in houses and child care centers built before 1978
- Wisconsin Admin. Code ch. DHS 163 (PDF)
- Reporting of blood lead test results
- Lead poisoning or lead exposure prevention grants