Prairie State Wire

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has announced an expanded list of high-risk ZIP codes, increasing mandatory testing for lead exposure among children residing in those areas. A total of 148 new ZIP codes, representing parts of 60 Illinois counties, have been added to the list this year, bringing the total number of high-risk ZIP codes to nearly 1,200.

“There is no safe level of lead in the blood,” said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. “To better serve our children and build brighter futures for all of our residents, IDPH is acting to ensure that more children have access to the testing and interventions necessary to decrease the potential serious physical and developmental health concerns linked to lead exposure.”

Under Illinois law, any child residing in a high-risk ZIP code must be tested automatically at 12 and 24 months. All children six years old and younger are required to be assessed for lead exposure through a questionnaire administered by a pediatrician. Additionally, children who fall into other risk categories outlined in the questionnaire are also tested.

High-risk ZIP codes are determined through an algorithm that assesses various risk factors. The department has been gradually expanding that list and expects to implement universal testing for lead exposure across all Illinois ZIP codes by 2026. The new expanded list took effect on July 1, 2024.

Under current Illinois law, blood tests showing lead levels exceeding five micrograms per deciliter (µg/dL) necessitate a public health intervention. This includes a home inspection to identify the source of contamination. If lead is found, inspectors work with homeowners to remove it. Additionally, a public health nurse visits the family to educate them on protecting children from harmful effects of lead.

The newly-added ZIP codes come from various Illinois counties including Adams, Alexander, Bond, Boone, Calhoun, Carroll, Champaign, Clinton Coles Cook Crawford Cumberland Dekalb Douglas DuPage Edwards Effingham Franklin Gallatin Hardin Henry Jackson Jefferson Jo Daviess Johnson Kane La Salle Lake Lee Macon Macoupin Madison Marion Marshall Massac McLean Monroe Montgomery Morgan Ogle Peoria Piatt Pope Pulaski Putnam Randolph Richland Rock Island St Clair Saline Sangamon Shelby Tazewell Union Vermilion Washington White Whiteside Will Winnebago.

###