In Milwaukee, a city with a long-standing struggle against lead poisoning, the discovery of elevated lead levels in a child’s blood has sparked a public health emergency. This crisis, which began with a single case in January 2025, has now expanded to reveal widespread lead hazards in several schools within the Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) district. The situation has been exacerbated by recent federal health agency cuts, which have significantly reduced the support available to address this urgent issue.

The Unfolding Crisis

The initial case involved a child from Golda Meir Lower Campus who tested positive for lead poisoning. The Milwaukee Health Department’s investigation led to the discovery of chipping lead paint in a basement bathroom at the school. This finding prompted further testing, revealing high lead levels in dust samples from multiple schools. As of early April, seven schools have been identified with lead hazards, and four have temporarily closed for cleanup. The health department has conducted free clinics to test hundreds of students, but with limited resources, the scope of testing remains insufficient.

The Role of the CDC and Recent Cuts

Milwaukee’s Health Commissioner, Dr. Michael Totoraitis, reached out to the National Center for Environmental Health (NCEH) at the CDC for assistance in managing the crisis. However, on March 26, the city requested Epi-Aid, a program that deploys CDC officers to investigate public health emergencies. The request was transferred to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) after the NCEH was dismantled in a massive federal health agency restructuring. This restructuring, which included the loss of roughly 2,500 CDC workers, has left Milwaukee without the lead experts it desperately needs.

The Broader Impact of Federal Cuts

The cuts at the CDC are part of a larger restructuring plan aimed at reducing redundancies and focusing on new priorities, such as eliminating environmental toxins. However, the loss of the NCEH’s lead experts and the uncertainty surrounding the ATSDR’s future role have left local health departments like Milwaukee’s in a precarious position. Milwaukee was already grappling with the loss of $5 million in COVID-19 recovery funding, which had been used to improve ventilation in congregate care settings and train public health workers. The additional loss of CDC support threatens to further undermine the city’s ability to address the lead crisis effectively.

The Urgency of Addressing Lead Poisoning

Lead poisoning poses significant health risks, especially to young children. Even low levels of lead exposure can lower IQ, cause developmental delays, and lead to behavioral problems. In Milwaukee, where over 1,000 children are poisoned by lead each year, the discovery of lead hazards in schools is particularly alarming. The average age of MPS schools is 82 years, with many built before 1978 when lead paint was still legal. These aging buildings require regular maintenance to prevent lead exposure, a task that has been neglected, leading to the current crisis.

The Way Forward

Addressing the lead crisis in Milwaukee requires a coordinated effort from federal, state, and local authorities. The city needs immediate support to expand testing programs, remediate affected schools, and provide medical care for affected children. The federal government must recognize the critical role of agencies like the NCEH in protecting public health and consider restoring the lost expertise and funding. In the meantime, Milwaukee must continue to advocate for its residents, ensuring that every child has access to a safe and healthy learning environment.

The lead crisis in Milwaukee is a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges in public health and the importance of maintaining robust federal support. As the city navigates this crisis, it underscores the need for a comprehensive approach to protect vulnerable populations and safeguard the health of future generations.