Illinois to require blood lead testing for all children starting July 1
FOX23 News at 9 p.m
SPRINGFIELD, Ill., (KBSI) — Beginning July 1, all children in Illinois will receive routine blood lead testing, expanding the state’s previous testing requirements that only applied to children living in designated high-risk ZIP codes.
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) announced the change as part of its Childhood Lead Program, which aims to identify children exposed to lead and provide early intervention to reduce long-term health impacts.
“There is no safe level of lead in the blood,” IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra said. “With this move to universal childhood blood lead testing, IDPH is taking another step toward protecting the health and safety of Illinois’ youngest residents.”
Under the new statewide requirements, children will automatically receive blood lead tests at 12 months and 24 months of age. Health care providers also must assess all children age 6 and younger for lead exposure using a screening questionnaire.
State law requires public health intervention when a child’s confirmed blood lead level exceeds 3.5 micrograms per deciliter. That response includes a home inspection to identify the source of lead exposure, assistance with removing hazards, and education from a public health nurse on preventing further exposure.
Lead poisoning remains the leading environmental illness affecting children. Exposure can damage the brain and nervous system and may lead to developmental delays, learning disabilities, behavioral problems and slowed growth.
The universal testing requirement is the culmination of a years-long effort by IDPH to expand screening and ensure children throughout Illinois have access to early detection and intervention.
In addition to lead prevention efforts, IDPH supports several child health initiatives, including immunization programs, newborn screening for more than 50 disorders, infant safe sleep education, school-based health services, oral health programs and children’s behavioral health resources.
