Health Officials Trace Student’s Lead Poisoning to MPS School Bathroom

MILWAUKEE, Wis (WAUK) — A student at Milwaukee’s Golda Meir School has tested positive for lead poisoning, with health officials identifying lead-based paint in a basement bathroom as the likely source of exposure.

The Milwaukee Health Department and Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) announced Wednesday that an investigation, started in November, led to the discovery of lead paint in the school after searches of the student’s home and other potential sources found no results.

While details about the impacted child remain unknown, officials confirmed that blood lead levels were high enough to prompt an investigation. The school serves students from third through twelfth grade.

“We are working closely with the family, school leaders, and district administrators to address the situation,” said a joint statement from MPS and the health department.

The city encourages families concerned about lead exposure to contact the Milwaukee Health Department for resources and assistance through their Lead Hazard Reduction Program.