Thousands of Milwaukee Children Exposed to Lead Toxin as Schools Struggle with Crumbling Classrooms and Toxic Dust

In Milwaukee, a growing public health concern has emerged as thousands of children may have been exposed to a toxic substance linked to cancer and autism.

The culprit is lead-based paint, found in crumbling classrooms across the city.

At least eight schools have been identified with lead paint that is deteriorating, releasing dangerous dust that, when inhaled, can cause serious health problems.

School Closures for Remediation Efforts

As the issue gained attention, several schools were forced to close temporarily to address the contamination and carry out remediation work.

The lead levels found in students’ blood have raised alarms, with officials now planning extensive inspections across the district to ensure student safety.

Health authorities are using the summer break to check half of the district’s 100 schools that were built before 1978, the year lead paint was banned.

The remaining schools will be inspected before the end of the year, but there are concerns that some children could be exposed before the necessary actions are taken.

Health Risks of Lead Exposure

Lead is a well-known neurotoxin that can severely impact a child’s development.

It has been linked to learning disabilities, brain damage, and other severe health conditions, including kidney, reproductive, cardiovascular, and digestive system issues.

Lead exposure is also suspected to be connected to autism spectrum disorder.

Although Kat Cisar’s children have not tested positive for lead, the concern remains.

She shared her frustration with ABC News, stating, “We put a lot of faith in our institutions, in our schools, and it’s just so disheartening when those systems fail.”

Lead Testing Efforts in Milwaukee

Milwaukee is taking steps to address the problem, including setting up lead testing clinics throughout the city.

North Division High School is one location where testing is available, and officials are prepared to screen up to 300 students at a time.

However, some experts argue that these testing efforts, while helpful, are reactive rather than proactive.

The organization Lead Safe Schools criticized the city’s approach, emphasizing that it should focus on preventing further exposure rather than just addressing the aftermath.

The Water Supply Also at Risk

In addition to lead in the paint, Milwaukee’s water supply has also been found to contain lead, which could affect children using water fountains or bathroom faucets in schools.

Although testing showed that the levels were below the EPA’s threshold for action, any amount of lead exposure, especially over a prolonged period, is considered unsafe.

Government Support and Funding Challenges

Typically, remediation efforts for lead poisoning would be supported by federal funding, particularly from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

However, cuts to the CDC under the Trump administration, which slashed jobs in key departments, have left the city’s health department struggling to manage the crisis.

Milwaukee’s health commissioner, Dr. Michael Totoraitis, expressed frustration over the lack of support, saying, “There is no bat phone anymore.

I can’t pick up and call my colleagues at the C.D.C. about lead poisoning anymore.”

A Historical Problem with Lead

Lead exposure has been a persistent problem in Milwaukee, especially in lower-income neighborhoods.

Many of the buildings in the city were constructed in the 1800s and early 1900s, a time when lead-based paint and lead pipes were commonplace.

Although lead was banned in the 1970s, generations of children have already been exposed, creating long-term health risks for the community.

Frustration Among Parents

For many parents, the discovery of widespread lead contamination has been a shocking revelation.

Kristen Payne, whose child attends Golda Meir School, admitted to being “surprised to see the extent of the problem.”

Lisa Lucas, a mother whose child attends an elementary school currently closed for lead remediation, voiced her frustration, saying, “Everybody in Milwaukee is aware of lead.

There’s lead paint in almost all of the schools and buildings.

And nobody has really stepped up, either in the city or the state legislature, to make our city safer and healthier for everybody. That’s the most frustrating part of it.”

The crisis in Milwaukee schools is an urgent reminder of the ongoing challenge posed by lead exposure, with families and health experts alike calling for more proactive measures to ensure the safety of children in the city’s schools and homes.