Menasha Home Lead Risks Database

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You must enter at least the first number of the house number and the first letter of the street name.
  • Use only the house or building number and the name of the street, with no descriptor or abbreviations ("Street , St", Boulevard, "Blvd", Avenue, "Ave")
  • Do not include punctuation.
  • Do not include apartment numbers ("Apt. A" )
  • You may use partial numbers ( "3" instead of "354" ) and partial street names ("Fir" rather than "First").
  • Include spaces in multi word street names
  • DUPLEXES - If your address is not there please try the street number from the other half of the duplex. (i.e.1103 try 1101)
Example:
430 First Street
Enter as street number "430" street name "First" or street number "430" street name "Fir"

What is lead?

Lead is a heavy metal that was once used in paints, varnishes, and water pipes.  It’s no longer used because it was shown to be toxic to humans.   Lead is still present in millions of homes across the country, often under several layers of newer paint.  Testing swabs can be purchased at hardware stores and when used correctly, are an easy way to screen for lead paint.

Children exposed to lead may have developmental delays including lowered IQ, hearing loss, speech and language delays, learning disabilities, attention and behavioral problems, and motor skill deficits.   Adults are also affected and may have high blood pressure, kidney and cardiovascular disease, and/or mental status changes.

Children are more susceptible to the damaging effects of lead because their bodies are growing rapidly, and because of the way children explore their environments, by crawling on the floor and pulling themselves up to windows, often putting things in their mouth as a way to understand their surroundings. 

Lead in Water

Water pipes made with lead can leach lead into drinking water.  While this is rarely a problem, it can become one under certain circumstances.  If you have leaded water lines, a simple charcoal filter can be used to filter lead out.  These filters come as water pitchers or sink faucet attachments.

I’ve found lead paint, now what?

  • If the paint is in good shape, lead paint is usually not a problem. Deteriorating lead-based paint or varnish (peeling, chipping, chalking, cracking, damaged, or damp) is a hazard that needs immediate attention. 
    • Clean up debris and dust immediately using wet paper towels – dispose and wash hands! 
    • Paint stabilization options vary – a temporary option is to paint over worn surfaces. 
    • Windows may be kept closed to avoid exposure to lead paint debris in the window wells. 

 

  • Lead paint may be a hazard when found on surfaces that children can reach or that get a lot of wear-and-tear, such as:
    • Windows and window sills
    • Doors and door frames
    • Stairs, railings, banisters, and porches
  • Be sure to keep all paint in excellent shape and clean up dust frequently

 

  • Important: Working with lead paint can be hazardous if not done correctly.    
    • Never dry scrape lead paint - this creates lead dust that can be inhaled and is difficult to completely clean up. 
    • Heat guns should never be used to remove lead paint - this creates a lead fume that is easily absorbable! 

 

Keeping your family safe from lead is possible when you know what to look for.   The Menasha Health Department is committed to preventing childhood lead poisoning and staff are available to answer your questions at (920)967-3522.  Additionally, the following websites have valuable information on lead and how to manage it safely.

 

Keeping safe around lead

Step 1:   Keep paint in good shape

Paint in window sills, doors, and porches are common areas for paint to be chipped and worn.

Step 2:  Wet Washing

Wet washing is the best way to clean up lead dust.  Wet wash window sills, window wells, walls, floors, and door frames frequently to clean up lead dust.  Throw rags away or wash separately with a double rinse. 

Step 3:  Regularly wash hands and toys
Wash your child's hands and face often with soap and water. Make sure your child’s hands and face are clean before eating and going to bed.

Be sure to wash toys, bottles and pacifiers often with soap and water. Don’t let your children play with any toys that have fallen on the ground until they have been cleaned with soap and water. Don’t let your child eat any food that has fallen on the ground.

Step 4:   Cleaning with A Special Vacuum

Never use regular household vacuum cleaners to clean up lead paint dust or chips!  These regular filters cannot hold the small lead dust particles - they will blow lead back into the air where people can breathe it in.
A HEPA filter should be used when cleaning up lead dust.  These are High Efficiency Particulate Air Filters that pick up and hold the small pieces of lead.  The City of Menasha Health Department has a HEPA-vacuum lending program available to residents at no cost.  Household vacuum cleaners may be used for regular cleaning once lead has been cleaned up.