All Children Across Illinois to Receive Blood Lead Testing

Effect July 1, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) announced that universal childhood blood lead testing will take effect, the culmination of a years-long effort to expand the number of children who receive such testing. Through the Childhood Lead Program, IDPH identifies children who have been exposed to lead and who may need health interventions to address its effects.

“There is no safe level of lead in the blood,” said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. “Through our Childhood Lead Program, IDPH has identified thousands of children who have been exposed to lead, allowing for early intervention to address negative health effects and implementation of efforts to limit further exposure. With this move to universal childhood blood lead testing, IDPH is taking another step toward protecting the health and safety of Illinois’ youngest residents.”

Previously, Illinois lead testing requirements applied to children living in “high-risk ZIP codes.” Under the new standard, all Illinois children are to be tested automatically at 12 and 24 months. All children six years of age and younger are required to be assessed for lead exposure using a questionnaire administered by a healthcare provider.

Under Illinois law, blood tests that come back with confirmed lead levels in excess of 3.5 micrograms per deciliter (µg/dL) require a public health intervention. This includes a home inspection to determine the source of the lead contamination. If lead is found, the inspector works with the resident to remove the sources of lead. In addition, a public health nurse will visit and educate the family on ways to protect children from the harmful effects of lead.

Lead exposure can lead to brain and nervous system damage, slowed growth, and developmental, behavioral and learning difficulties, among other challenges.