Illinois highlights universal lead testing during Lead Poisoning Prevention Week

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (KBSI) — The Illinois Department of Public Health is raising awareness about childhood lead exposure during National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, Oct. 25-31, following the state’s implementation of universal lead testing earlier this year.

Illinois began requiring universal lead testing July 1, 2026, as part of efforts to identify children who have been exposed to lead.

According to IDPH, hundreds of children across Illinois are found to have elevated blood lead levels each month. Lead exposure can cause developmental delays, learning difficulties and other health problems.

“Universal lead testing is an essential tool for identifying and helping children who have been exposed to lead,” IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra said. “It’s equally important to identify and remove sources of lead exposure before a child is in harm’s way.”

Health officials said deteriorating lead-based paint is the most common source of childhood lead exposure.

Lead-based paint was commonly used in homes built before 1978. Children can be exposed by inhaling or swallowing lead dust from peeling or chipped paint or by chewing on painted surfaces.

IDPH estimates more than 1 million homes in Illinois still contain lead-based paint.

Lead can also be found in drinking water through older pipes, faucets and plumbing fixtures.

Other potential sources include certain imported toys, pottery, cosmetics and traditional remedies.

IDPH recommends several precautions to reduce the risk of lead poisoning:

– Regularly clean floors, countertops and windowsills with soap and water.
– Remove peeling paint and paint chips safely.
– Keep children and pregnant women away from home renovation areas until work and cleanup are complete.
– Wash children’s hands, faces and toys frequently.
– Have drinking water tested for lead and use cold water for cooking and drinking.
– Remove shoes before entering the home to prevent tracking contaminated soil indoors.
– Provide children with a balanced diet containing calcium and iron, which can help reduce lead absorption.

Residents living in homes built before 1978 are encouraged to have their properties inspected by certified lead inspectors or risk assessors.

IDPH also oversees the Comprehensive Lead Education, Reduction and Window Replacement program, known as CLEAR-Win.

The program helps eligible Illinois property owners reduce lead hazards through window replacement and other improvements involving lead paint and plumbing.

Information about eligibility and applications is available through the CLEAR-Win program.

IDPH will host a public webinar Thursday, Oct. 29, from noon to 1 p.m. to discuss lead poisoning, testing and prevention.

Additional information about lead exposure, testing and prevention is available on the Illinois Department of Public Health website.