WMJ Vol 123 Issue 4: Lead Poisoning in Milwaukee: A Medical and Public Health Update

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Every year, children are poisoned with lead with irreversible effects. This exposure most often occurs in older housing built before 1978 with chipping paint from windowsills where children play and ingest the lead particulates. Exposure to lead can cause neurological and psychological dysfunction, among other health issues.

Objective: This quality improvement study aims to evaluate our knowledge of at-risk children through a public health approach by analyzing the current public health data and possible barriers to lead screening, testing follow-up, and identifying at-risk children.

Methods: We received data on lead-poisoned children and inspected properties from the City of Milwaukee Health Department. We analyzed each child’s initial blood lead level, as well as follow-up tests recorded, ZIP code of residence, and family renter versus home ownership.

Results: Over 90% of children in the database had recorded follow-up blood lead testing following an initial elevated blood lead level. There was no difference in initial recorded blood lead levels between children with recorded follow-up blood lead levels and children without (21.40, SD = 11.26); t[1.17], P = 0.24). Most affected children were from economically disadvantaged ZIP codes (53206, 53208, 53215), and 94% lived in rented properties.

Conclusions: More work is needed to reduce lead in the environment and improve follow-up in affected children. ZIP code and rental data may indicate at-risk children. Although follow-up testing rates are high, the study revealed a wide range in lead levels with follow-up. Identifying at-risk children and reducing lead levels in children is vital to support health equity.

Intended Audience

The intended audience for this continuing education activity is healthcare professionals caring for the people of Wisconsin and beyond.

Learning Objectives

As a result of participating in this journal-based activity, healthcare team members will be able to:    

  1. Describe the methods the researchers used to identify children affected by lead and the type of housing that families lived in when exposed to lead.
  2. Identify risk factors and populations vulnerable to lead poisoning
  3. Discuss opportunities for interprofessional collaboration in addressing lead poisoning
Course summary
Available credit: 
  • 1.00 AAPA Category 1 CME
  • 1.00 ACPE Contact Hours - Pharmacist
  • 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™
  • 1.00 ANCC Contact Hours
  • 1.00 University of Wisconsin–Madison Continuing Education Hours
    • 1.00 Approved for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™
Registration opens: 
05/22/2025
Course expires: 
05/21/2026
Cost:
$0.00
Part of: 
Wisconsin Medical Journal Volume 123
Rating: 
0

FACULTY DISCLOSURE

It is the policy of the University of Wisconsin–Madison Interprofessional Continuing Education Partnership (ICEP) to identify, mitigate and disclose all relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies* held by the  speakers/presenters, authors, planners, and other persons who may influence content of this accredited continuing education (CE).  In addition, speakers, presenters and authors must disclose any planned discussion of unlabeled/unapproved uses of drugs or devices during their presentation.

For this accredited continuing education activity all relevant financial relationships have been mitigated and detailed disclosures are listed below.

Name of IndividualIndividual's Role in ActivityFinancial Relationship DisclosureDiscussion of Unlabeled/Unapproved Uses of Drugs/Devices
Marianna Shershneva, MD, PhDAccreditation SpecialistNo relevant relationships with ineligible companies to discloseNo
James Eberhard, MFAAccreditation SpecialistNo relevant relationships with ineligible companies to discloseNo
Tessa Miller, MPHAuthorNo relevant relationships with ineligible companies to discloseNo
Joanna Balza, RNAuthorNo relevant relationships with ineligible companies to discloseNo
Julia Kellis, BSAuthorNo relevant relationships with ineligible companies to discloseNo
Heather Paradis, MD, MPHAuthorNo relevant relationships with ineligible companies to discloseNo
John Meurer, MD, MBAAuthorNo relevant relationships with ineligible companies to discloseNo
David Nelson, PhD, MSAuthorNo relevant relationships with ineligible companies to discloseNo
Meghan Beth Brennan, MDReviewerNo relevant relationships with ineligible companies to discloseNo
John R. Brill, MD, MPHReviewerNo relevant relationships with ineligible companies to discloseNo
Jessica Dalby, MDReviewerNo relevant relationships with ineligible companies to discloseNo
Robert Treat, PhDEditorNo relevant relationships with ineligible companies to discloseNo
Roberta Pawlak, PhD, RN, NEABCReviewerNo relevant relationships with ineligible companies to discloseNo
Caitlin Weitzel, APNP, ACNP, MSNReviewerNo relevant relationships with ineligible companies to discloseNo

*Ineligible companies are those whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, re-selling, or distributing healthcare products used by or on, patients.

The ACCME does not consider providers of clinical services directly to patients to be ineligible companies.

Discloser List CME Internal Report

Accreditation

Accreditation LogosAccreditation Statements
In support of improving patient care, this activity has been planned and implemented by the University of Wisconsin–Madison ICEP and the Wisconsin Medical Journal.  The University of Wisconsin–Madison ICEP is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.


Credit Designation Statements

American Medical Association (AMA)

The University of Wisconsin–Madison ICEP designates this journal-based CE activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™.  Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)

The University of Wisconsin–Madison ICEP designates this journal-based CE activity for a maximum of 1.0 ANCC contact hour.  

Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE)

The University of Wisconsin–Madison ICEP designates this knowledge-based activity for 1.0 hours or 0.1 CEUs. Credit can be earned by successfully completing the activity and the evaluation. Credit will be provided to NABP CPE Monitor within 60 days after the activity completion. UAN: JA0000358-9999-25-042-H05-P

American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA)

The University of Wisconsin–Madison ICEP has been authorized by the American Academy of PAs  (AAPA) to award AAPA Category 1 CME credit for activities planned in accordance with AAPA CME Criteria. This activity is designated for 1.0 AAPA Category 1 CME credits. Approval is valid until 05/21/2026. PAs should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation.

Continuing Education Units

The University of Wisconsin–Madison ICEP, as a member of the University Professional & Continuing Education Association (UPCEA), authorizes this program for 0.1 continuing education units (CEUs) or 1 hour.

Available Credit

  • 1.00 AAPA Category 1 CME
  • 1.00 ACPE Contact Hours - Pharmacist
  • 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™
  • 1.00 ANCC Contact Hours
  • 1.00 University of Wisconsin–Madison Continuing Education Hours
    • 1.00 Approved for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™

Cost:
$0.00
Please login or register to take this course.

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