CNN Chief Medical Correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta travels to Milwaukee, where several school buildings have closed due to aging paint that exposed children to lead, a neurotoxin.

Milwaukee

Several schools in Milwaukee have been temporarily closed after investigations revealed children were exposed to lead from aging paint in school buildings. The issue was first identified when a child was found to have blood lead levels four times higher than expected, with the home environment ruled out as the source. Subsequent testing traced the lead exposure to school buildings, specifically identifying lead-containing paint in an elementary school bathroom.

Following the initial discovery, at least three more children have tested positive for elevated lead levels in their blood. Investigations have found eight schools with unsafe levels of lead, resulting in the relocation of students, such as those from Westside Academy. The presence of flaking paint on both the exterior and interior of schools was reported, particularly on doors, walls, and windowsills.

City officials are undertaking a comprehensive inspection of approximately 100 school buildings. The local health commissioner has opened the laboratory to the public, demonstrating how samples of paint are diluted and tested to determine if a building can reopen safely. Health authorities have noted that lead paint can be especially hazardous to children under six years old, as it may taste sweet and young children often place objects in their mouths.

Medical experts explain that lead absorbed into the bloodstream can lead to long-term cognitive and behavioral issues in children. While the city has the necessary team to handle immediate inspections, the recent loss of federal staff dedicated to childhood lead exposure has affected long-term investigations, prompting local leaders to seek assistance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

To address the crisis, a school-based clinic has been set up to test up to 300 children for lead exposure. Parent groups have publicly called for urgent remediation efforts to ensure children are safe at school. Health officials note that painting over old lead-based paint is an effective and cost-efficient measure, but delays have led to significant remediation backlogs.

The school district estimates that remediation could cost up to $20 million, with painting a single room costing approximately $800. Funding is currently being drawn from reserve resources, with the superintendent emphasizing a commitment to address the crisis swiftly and thoroughly.



What caused Milwaukee’s school lead crisis?

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