Lead Screening Testing

No safe blood lead level in children has been identified. “Lead Poisoning” is defined as a confirmed level of lead in human blood of five micrograms per deciliter (5 µg/dl) or greater.

Lead exposure can affect nearly every system in the body. Because lead exposure often occurs with no obvious symptoms, it frequently goes unrecognized.

State Law Mandates

State law mandates blood lead screening for all “high-risk” children 72 months (6 years) of age and below. A “high-risk” child is defined as a child who:

• Lives in or regularly visits a house built before 1950. (This includes a daycare center, preschool, or home of a babysitter or relative.)
• Lives in or visits a house that has peeling, chipping, dusting or chalking paint.
• Lives in or visits a house built before 1978 with recent, ongoing, or planned renovation/remodeling.
• Has a sibling or playmate who has or did have lead poisoning.
• Frequently comes in contact with an adult who has a hobby or works with lead. Examples are construction, welding, pottery, painting, and casting ammunition.

Note* Every child on Medicaid is mandated by the State to be tested for lead.