Dunn County Health Department launches lead screening tests for children

The Dunn County Health Department staff will be providing lead screening tests for children. This screening is a simple blood test to see if there is lead  in your child’s blood due to an exposure to lead in their environment. 

KT Gallagher, the Health Director of the Dunn County Health Department, encourages parents to get their children tested because - “Almost half of the houses in Dunn County were built before lead-based paint was banned. There is no safe level of exposure to lead. A blood test is the only way to know if your child has been exposed.” 

Exposure to lead can cause health issues like: 

• Learning problems 

• Behavior issues 

• Damage to the brain 

• Problems with hearing and speech 

• Problems with balance and coordination 

Even though lead can hurt anyone, the health effects of lead exposure are particularly damaging in kids under six and can last a lifetime.  

Lead Poisoning in Children Can Be Caused By:  

• Swallowing or breathing in dust from lead-based paint in homes that were built before 1978 (most common) 

• Contaminated soil  

• Contaminated water sources  

It is important to know if your child has been exposed, so you can get rid of the source of lead in their environment. This is the number one way to prevent your child from getting lead poisoned. 

What Should I Expect? 

On the day of testing, your child’s finger will be poked to get a small amount of blood for the test. The test will be run on-site, and you will get the results once it is available. You will also get information about anything else that needs to be done, like following up with your child’s doctor. 

If you have any questions, or to make an appointment, please call the Dunn County Health  Department at 715-232-2388 or visit our website: Lead Prevention - Dunn County, WI.

Media release.