Gov. Evers takes action to protect children from lead exposure
Since 1996, more than 200,000 children have been identified as having dangerous amounts of lead in their bodies.
KENOSHA – Today Gov. Tony Evers took a step toward protecting children from the devastating effects of lead exposure by signing an executive order that creates a new interagency coordinator.
The coordinator will direct resources aimed at eliminating lead pollution, including that in drinking water. Lead pipes are abundant in Wisconsin. More than 176,000 lead service lines are in operation today, while more than 80 communities have lead pipes in their systems. Child blood-lead levels exceed the national average, hovering around five percent. Since 1996, more than 200,000 children have been identified as having dangerous amounts of lead in their bodies.
Executive Director Kerry Schumann had this to say on Gov. Evers’ action:
“Today marks an important step toward ensuring all of Wisconsin’s children are protected from lead exposure. No level of lead exposure is safe, and its effects are devastating to individuals and communities. Brain damage, reduced IQs, behavioral problems, even increased violent behavior – all of it is tied to lead exposure. We thank Gov. Tony Evers and his administration for taking this very real threat seriously, and prioritizing our health and families over politics. Unfortunately – and inaccurately – some politicians have used children’s health as a way to polarize voters. The truth is, lead exposure via drinking water is a serious problem in rural, suburban, and urban communities across the state. With Executive Order 36, Wisconsin can begin to address this statewide problem in a comprehensive way.”
Engaging voters to protect Wisconsin’s environment.
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
More about the Lead Crisis
- MTEA Statement on Lead Exposure in MPS Buildings - Milwaukee Teachers’ Education Association - Apr 30th, 2025
- Statement from Supervisor Juan Miguel Martinez on Lead Hazards in MPS Buildings - Sup. Juan Miguel Martinez - Apr 29th, 2025
- MPS Closing Two More Schools For Lead Hazards - Jeramey Jannene - Apr 28th, 2025
- Milwaukee Public Schools Enters New Phase of Lead Cleanup - Milwaukee Public Schools - Apr 28th, 2025
- What To Know and How To Keep Kids Safe From Lead Poisoning - Evan Casey - Apr 25th, 2025
- Congresswoman Gwen Moore and Senator Tammy Baldwin Urge HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. to Reinstate Childhood Lead Poisoning Experts at CDC, Push for Approval of Milwaukee’s Request for Federal Assistance - U.S. Rep. Gwen Moore - Apr 23rd, 2025
- MPS’s Fernwood School to Reopen Following Lead Remediation Work - Milwaukee Public Schools - Apr 22nd, 2025
- Milwaukee School Board May Sue Paint Companies Over Lead Crisis - Evan Casey - Apr 19th, 2025
- Trump Administration Axed Federal Employees Needed for MPS Lead Crisis - Jeramey Jannene - Apr 14th, 2025
- New MPS Superintendent Dumps Beleaguered Facilities Director - Jeramey Jannene - Apr 3rd, 2025
Read more about Lead Crisis here
Mentioned in This Press Release
Recent Press Releases by Wisconsin Conservation Voters
