A fight over lead contamination in rental housing is highlighting how hard it can be to protect children from lead exposure, especially in older homes.
After an alarming number of childhood lead poisoning cases, Milwaukee ordered hundreds of landlords to remove lead hazards on their properties. Unfortunately, despite the orders, many of these homes still contain lead.
Here's what to know
Between January 2023 and August 2025, Milwaukee issued about 240 orders to landlords to address lead paint hazards, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported.
Many of these property owners have been accused of neglecting their buildings, while others say repair costs that can reach tens of thousands of dollars are beyond what they can manage.
The issue is especially troubling in older homes, where lead paint can chip and become dust that children inhale or ingest. And because no amount of lead is safe for children, this exposure is likely to impact some of their learning, behavior, and even physical health and development.
The Journal Sentinel also reported that about 1,800 Milwaukee children aged five or younger tested positive for lead in their blood in 2024, though that figure includes only children who were tested, meaning the true number is likely much higher. It's critical to note that kids who live in communities with large Black and Latino populations were more likely to be exposed to lead.
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What's being done?
Milwaukee officials are moving ahead with a smaller pilot rental inspection program around Washington High School, with support from Mayor Cavalier Johnson's office and Alderman Russell Stamper II, per the Journal Sentinel. The city is also directing some federal grant funding toward addressing the lead contamination.
Advocates say requiring landlords to show that their properties are safe before renting them out could mean fewer children are poisoned by lead. Landlords may disagree, but elevated lead concentrations in the blood of their tenants show that the impacts are real.
Where can I learn more?
Similar housing and lead safety problems are playing out elsewhere, too.
• Across Wisconsin, lead pipe replacement aid shrank as Wausau homeowners faced fines and shutoffs.
• In Chicago, young children were exposed to lead-contaminated water at disturbing rates.
• In East Moline, water tests found elevated lead levels in some older homes and businesses.
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