Milwaukee unveils extra school closures, introduces fresh strategy to tackle lead paint risks amidst escalating contamination predicament.
Milwaukee, the Lead-Stricken City:
In a shocking turn of events, the Milwaukee school district will shut down two more schools due to its ongoing lead crisis. Westside Academy and Brown Street School will close their doors, adding to the tally of already closed schools: Starms Early Childhood Center and LaFollette School. These school closures are part of the district's attempt to tackle flaking and chalking paint in aging buildings, a suspected culprit for the rise in elevated blood lead levels among four students this school year.
The disturbing news was announced on Monday as the city battles to address the lead crisis plaguing its schools. The new school closures come as the district works on a revamped strategy to eradicate lead hazards from its schools.
The current lead plan encompasses a three-tiered assessment and remediation process. Each building will be inspected visually, and based on the findings, it will be classified as low, medium, or high-risk. Schools at medium and high-risk levels will undergo additional testing for lead and may face full or partial closures for abatement. The schools are also devising a plan to test adults potentially exposed to lead, such as custodians.
The crisis struck Milwaukee following a child testing positive for high lead levels late last year. After investigations, peeling lead paint was discovered in a bathroom at the child's school, and high levels of lead were detected in dust around the windowsills and floors.
The city, with its share of older homes, has a history of lead problems. In some areas on its north side, data shows that about 1 in 5 children tested positive for elevated blood lead levels between 2018 and 2021. This is the first time lead poisoning in children has been linked to the city's schools, making the situation all the more alarming.
While the school district struggles to catch up on its maintenance, there are concerns about the ongoing exposure and delayed remediation efforts among parents and advocacy groups like Lead Safe Schools MKE. To address this, a resolution has been referred to a district committee in a bid to strengthen accountability.
Children under 6 are the most susceptible to lead poisoning, with potential impairments to their development. Fortunately, no elevated blood lead levels have been reported among students at the reopened Fernwood Montessori school.
As the district and health authorities work tirelessly to combat the crisis, they urge families to remain vigilant and have their children tested for lead exposure, either through their family doctor or city-organized pop-up clinics. In an effort to make testing more convenient, a large-scale clinic is scheduled for May 7 at North Division High School.
In the wake of the crisis, Milwaukee Public Schools and the Milwaukee Department of Health are working hand in hand to combat the lead contamination. Together, they aim to ensure the safety of the city's children, while advocating for increased federal support to tackle the issue effectively and efficiently.
- The closure of Westside Academy and Brown Street School in Milwaukee is a part of the district's prevention strategy to handle flaking and chalking paint in aging buildings.
- The city's ongoing lead crisis has led to the shutdown of four schools so far, including Starms Early Childhood Center and LaFollette School.
- School closures are an attempt to eradicate lead hazards from the district's schools as part of a revamped strategy.
- Each building in the district will be inspected, classified, and may undergo additional testing based on the three-tiered assessment and remediation process.
- Schools at medium and high-risk levels might face full or partial closures for abatement.
- A plan is being devised to test adults, like custodians, potentially exposed to lead.
- The crisis was triggered following a child testing positive for high lead levels late last year.
- Peeling lead paint was found at the child's school, with high lead detected in dust around the windowsills and floors.
- In some areas of the city, about 1 in 5 children tested positive for elevated blood lead levels between 2018 and 2021.
- This is the first time lead poisoning in children has been linked to the city's schools, making the situation more alarming.
- Parents and advocacy groups like Lead Safe Schools MKE have expressed concerns about ongoing exposure and delayed remediation efforts.
- A resolution has been referred to a district committee to strengthen accountability.
- Children under 6 are the most susceptible to lead poisoning, which can potentially impair their development.
- No elevated blood lead levels have been reported among students at the reopened Fernwood Montessori school.
- The district and health authorities are collaborating to combat the crisis and ensure the safety of the city's children.
- They urge families to remain vigilant and have their children tested for lead exposure.
- City-organized pop-up clinics and a large-scale clinic scheduled for May 7 at North Division High School aim to make testing more convenient.
- Milwaukee Public Schools and the Milwaukee Department of Health are working together to tackle the lead contamination.
- They advocate for increased federal support to address the issue effectively and efficiently.
- Prevention and eradication of chronic diseases like chronic kidney disease and type-2 diabetes are crucial aspects of workplace-wellness initiatives.
- Supplements and nutrition play a substantial role in managing chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular health, digestive health, and eye-health.
- In the manufacturing industry, mental-health issues may arise due to the high-stress environment, and therapies and treatments are vital for employees facing such conditions.
- As climate change progresses, renewable energy becomes a significant aspect of health and wellness, fostering a cleaner and safer environment for future generations.
- Businesses investing in energy-efficient technologies can promote sustainable practices in industries like retail, transportation, and automotive.
- Public transit systems should prioritize environmental science while transitioning to cleaner and cheaper forms of energy.
- Entrepreneurship in small businesses should focus on green practices, such as waste management and energy conservation, to address climate change.
- Leaders in industries like banking-and-insurance, fintech, real-estate, and aviation should prioritize diversity-and-inclusion to create a more equitable and productive workforce.
- Skin conditions like psoriasis and migraines can be managed with proper care and by maintaining good skin-care practices.
- The rise of CBD products has shown promising effects in treating neurological disorders like Alzheimer's disease, autoimmune disorders, and certain types of cancer.


