Milwaukee schools 'significant' lead exposure issues; what we know
Milwaukee schools ‘significant’ lead exposure
Milwaukee's health commissioner and other officials on Thursday announced the discovery of "significant" lead exposure issues at multiple public schools.
MILWAUKEE - Milwaukee's health commissioner and other officials on Thursday announced the discovery of "significant" lead exposure issues at multiple public schools.
Lead exposure investigation
What we know:
Milwaukee Health Commissioner Mike Totoraitis said an investigation began after high blood lead levels were found in two students.
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Tests conducted by the Milwaukee Health Department at several schools identified lead dust and lead paint problems that exceed allowable standards. Specifically, leaders pointed to Golda Meir School and Kagel Elementary having high levels of lead.
Milwaukee schools 'significant' lead exposure issues
Mayor Cavalier Johnson, Milwaukee Health Commissioner Mike Totoraitis and MPS Interim Superintendent Eduardo Galvan discussed the issues.
"We took dust wipe samples, so that's looking at horizontal surfaces – corners of rooms, windows, door jams – for lead dust in a building," Totoraitis said.
What we don't know:
The health department said results from testing at Milwaukee Chinese Immersion School and Maryland Avenue Montessori are pending.
What they're saying:
Daisy Aldape said her 5-year-old daughter's blood lead levels came back high since the start of the school year.
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"There's not enough crayons in the world for her levels to be up this high," Aldape said. "From a 3 to an 11, and this is just from the beginning of the school year.
Aldape's daughter attends Kagel Elementary. She is still waiting for test results to determine the source.
"It's scary because they spend more than half the time at school versus at home," she said.
What is MPS doing?
Dig deeper:
The Milwaukee Health Department said lead can be found in paint used in homes and buildings built before 1978. MPS said more than 85% of its facilities were built before 1980.
Chipped or peeled paint creates hazards. Lead dust from deteriorating paint can also contaminate soil. Lead pipes or fixtures may contain lead hazards. Some imported toys, jewelry or ceramics may also contain lead.
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MPS and the Milwaukee Health Department said lead-based paint was found at a school after a student experienced lead-poisoning last week.
"We do proactively make sure our buildings are clean and up to par," said Eduardo Galvan, MPS interim superintendent.
Galvan said MPS, the state's largest school district, reviews buildings each year and does enhanced cleaning – like wipes and wet mopping – at schools as needed. The health department said the cleaning makes it safe for students to be in the building.
The school district has previously said it regularly addresses potential lead hazards by covering lead sources, applying protective barriers and removing lead-based materials as needed.
How to limit exposure
What you can do:
Health officials said wet dusting and mopping at home at least twice a week can minimize the risk of lead exposure. Children should wash their hands with soap and water, especially before meals and after play.
If you have or suspect you may have lead pipes, run faucets on cold for three minutes before using water for drinking or cooking. Residents should also cover or block lead hazards, like chipping paint, and keep children away from those areas.
Diets rich in iron, calcium and vitamin C can help reduce lead absorption, the health department said.
For questions related to lead exposure, MPS families can contact Health Services Manager Tashanda Edelen at 414-438-3539.
For additional resources and educational materials, as well as general information on how to keep your child and home lead-safe, visit the Milwaukee Health Department's website, or call the MHD Lead Program at 414-286-2165.
Official statements
Brittany Kinser, candidate for DPI Superintendent:
"MPS and DPI continue to fail our students, with this latest episode permanently maiming children due to gross mismanagement. An investigation must be launched immediately and DPI, Milwaukee Schools, and the Milwaukee School Board must transparently detail to Milwaukee parents how they intend to keep their children safe.
"As a former principal, I am no stranger to lead testing and abatement of school facilities. That this could have slipped through the cracks is just this week’s most outrageous example that our kids deserve better than what DPI and MPS are providing."
The Source: Information in this report is from the City of Milwaukee, Milwaukee Health Department and Milwaukee Public Schools.