What are the sources of lead? Who is at risk? Lead testing

The risk of lead poisoning for adults is minimal. The West Allis Health Department can provide a Children under the age of 6 are most at risk. walk-through of your home to assess potential Lead is particularly dangerous to children lead poisoning risks. Contact them at 414-302- because their growing bodies absorb more lead 8600 for more information on this service. than adults do and their brains and nervous systems are more sensitive to the damaging Your water is tested by West Allis Water Utility effects of lead. and meets all federal guidelines for safety. If you choose to have your tap water tested, use a Babies and young children can also be more private laboratory properly certified by the highly exposed to lead because they often put Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, their hands and other objects that can have lead such as these: from dust or soil on them into their mouths. Lead Northern Lakes Services, Inc. 2420 N. Grandview Blvd. Exposure Waukesha, WI 53188 262-547-3406 A fact book from the

Suburban Laboratories City of West Allis 400 Bay View Rd Suite 1 Mukwonago, WI 53149 414-349-0370

State Lab of Hygiene 2601 Agriculture Drive Madison, WI 53707 Childhood lead poisoning can lead to health 800-442-4618 www.westalliswi.gov/lead effects later in life:

ADHD, delayed learning, and lower IQ For more information visit (which will impact school performance), www.westalliswi.gov/lead Hypertension

Kidney problems Reproductive problems West Allis Health Department 414-302-8600 Talk to your healthcare provider about lead exposure. S/he can perform a simple blood test to assess your child’s exposure to lead. West Allis Water Utility 414-302-8830 What is lead? Reducing your risk of lead Sources of lead Lead is a naturally occurring toxic metal found in poisoning small amounts in the earth’s crust. Its widespread Paint dust use has resulted in significant public health Lead-based paints for homes, children's toys and Use a disposable wet cloth to wipe away chips problems in many parts of the world. household furniture have been banned in the United or dust from window ledges, floors and toys. States since 1978. But lead-based paint is still on Check the soil immediately outside the house Is lead poisoning happening in our community? walls and woodwork in homes built prior to 1978. for peeling paint. Lead poisoning can happen in any community. Most lead poisoning in children is caused by lead Wash hands before eating. According to the 2016 Report on Childhood Lead dust from deteriorating lead-based paint. Eat foods high in calcium, vitamin C, and iron. Poisoning in Wisconsin by the Wisconsin Use a filter certified to remove lead. If you live Department of Health Services., 3.7% of the 1,475 Household plumbing in a home with a lead service line or plumbing, young children who were tested in West Allis had Many people believe that water contains lead, but use a filter certified to remove lead. elevated lead levels. By comparison, 5.01% of lead plumbing equipment actually leeches lead into Run your water. If your water has not been children tested statewide showed elevated lead water supplies. West Allis’ water is purchased from used for several hours, run the cold water tap levels in their blood. the Milwaukee Water Works. for at least three minutes – until it is noticeably Lead is not found in Lake colder – before using tap water for cooking and Michigan surface water or in drinking. This flushes out water that has been our source of water treated sitting in your pipes and brings in fresh water What is West Allis doing to prevent lead by Milwaukee Water Works. directly from the water main, which is not made poisoning? Lead enters drinking water of lead. The West Allis Health Department has been primarily as a result of Use water from the cold water tap. Drink and very proactive in taking measures to prevent corrosion or wearing away of cook only with water from the cold water tap. lead poisoning through education and early materials in the water distribution system and Hot water can dissolve lead more quickly. Hot identification, and active intervention when lead household plumbing that contains lead, such as water from your tap is safe for washing hands hazards are discovered. These interventions lead service lines. and dishes. have decreased the percentage of children with Clean your aerators. Regularly remove the elevated blood lead levels in our community. If your property was built before 1953, your water screen and aerator from your faucets, rinse out service lateral was originally installed using lead any particles, and re-attach. The particles may Milwaukee Water Works has been adding piping materials. It is possible that some of the contain lead. Do this once a month, or more phosphate to our water for decades to form a property's internal plumbing fixtures also contain frequently if there is water utility construction protective coating which has been successful in lead. Even copper piping may have lead solder work nearby. dramatically reducing the lead leaching from the joints. service pipes or home plumbing into the water. Lead may also sometimes be found in: The City of West Allis has also replaced some water service lines that contained lead. Soil Household dust from lead paint chips For more information on the City's efforts and Pottery and ceramic glazes Lead Education Initiative, visit Imported or antique toys www.westalliswi.gov/lead. Imported candy or cosmetics Occupational exposure