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MEDFORD, WI (WSAU-WAOW) The Taylor County Health Department (TCHD) will be able to connect its residents to free lead testing throughout this summer, an issue that Wisconsin has been fighting.
Lead poisoning amongst children has been at the forefront of recent state issues. Local counties have been granted funds through the state to address environmental issues. TCHD is using those funds to enhance their lead testing program.
“Through the end of July we are able to offer free lead testing to residents of Taylor County, as well as anyone throughout the area,” said Melissa Moore, Public Health Foundationalist for TCHD.
According to the Wisconsin Department of Health, it is recommended that all children ages 1 and 2 be tested as well as any children between 3-5 years old that have never been tested. The only way to verify if a child has been exposed to lead is through a blood test.
“People can have exposure to lead in a variety of different places, such as soil, water, toys, and food products,” said Moore. “By offering this we are going to be able to reduce the risk of developmental delays, hearing and speech pathway delays, as well as other serious complications that can happen when exposed to lead.”
A single lead-blood test takes about three minutes, with the Leadcare sensor machine. While Medford is a small town, and TCHD is only addressing a fraction of the state population, they stress that testing is still an important resource.
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