Testing clinic held for MPS families impacted by lead concerns

 

MILWAUKE (CBS 58) --- Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) held lead screening clinic for families impacted by lead concerns. Saturday's screening clinic was held at Bradley Tech in coordination with the Milwaukee Health Department.

This comes as officials continue working to address lead hazards at multiple MPS schools. CBS 58 reached out to a local doctor about health concerns regarding lead.

Dr. Margaret Hennessy, Pediatrician with Ascension Wisconsin says lead is not a new problem. The health risks are why it's been removed from gas and paint, but in older buildings it can still pose a risk. Understanding the risks is important for families.

"Lead is a problem because it's a heavy metal that really likes to stick on the brain, liver, kidneys. It also can impact your bones....and it injures those parts of the body." said Dr. Hennessy.

The biggest issue for children is that lead exposure can impact brain development. This is why kids under age six and pregnant people are most at risk.

"It can impact your IQ. It can impact your ability to pay attention. Realistically the overwhelming majority of children exposed to lead won't have any symptoms," said Dr. Hennessy. That's why it's important to get tested. When lead shows up on a screening, health officials will then work to determine where the exposure happened.

"The health department is working to make sure that we focus in on the public health risk for these kids and that's what it's about," said Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson this week.

Mayor Johnson says the city remains committed to addressing the issue. Parents with concerns can talk to their child's doctor and if lead screening hasn't been done, you can request it. MPS and MHD say they will continue providing updates on next steps and future screening clinics.