Illinois expands lead testing requirements to additional ZIP codes

SPRINGFIELD, Ill., (KBSI) — The Illinois Department of Public Health has expanded its list of high-risk ZIP codes where lead exposure testing is required for children.

The addition of 180 new ZIP codes, covering parts of 47 counties, brings the total number of high-risk areas to over 1,350. The state aims to implement universal childhood lead testing by next year.

“Early detection and intervention are critical to protecting Illinois’ kids from the serious health and developmental challenges caused by lead exposure,” said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra.

Lead exposure can cause brain and nervous system damage, slowed growth, and behavioral difficulties. Children in high-risk ZIP codes are required to be tested at 12 and 24 months, and all children six and under must be assessed for lead exposure.

The expanded list of high-risk ZIP codes can be found on the IDPH website.