The Illinois Department of Public Health has expanded its effort to combat childhood lead exposure, adding 180 new ZIP codes to its testing list. Now, more than 1,350 high-risk areas are included statewide. Starting next year, Illinois will move to universal childhood lead testing, aiming to better protect young children from the harmful effects of lead poisoning. Under the updated guidelines, children living in these identified ZIP codes are required to be tested for lead at both 12 and 24 months of age, with hopes that earlier detection will drive down risks and improve public health outcomes.
“IDPH is committed to building brighter futures for our children and families,” said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. “This latest expansion of lead testing list brings us closer to achieving the ambitious goal of universal statewide testing. There is no safe level of lead in the blood. Early detection and intervention are critical tools to help protect Illinois’s kids from the serious health and developmental challenges caused from lead exposure.”
Lead exposure remains a significant health concern for children in Illinois, potentially causing brain damage, developmental delays, and learning difficulties. State law requires children living in designated high-risk ZIP codes to be tested for lead at both 12 and 24 months. Additionally, all children under six are assessed through healthcare provider questionnaires, with those deemed at risk undergoing further testing. From July 1, 2025, the list of high-risk areas will expand, with details available on the Illinois Department of Public Health website. Blood lead levels above 3.5 micrograms per deciliter trigger a thorough public health response, including home inspections and education for affected families.
