Sameer Vohra, MD, JD, MA Director at Illinois Department of Public Health | Official website
Sameer Vohra, MD, JD, MA Director at Illinois Department of Public Health | Official website
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is urging residents to remain aware of health risks associated with lead exposure during Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, observed from October 20-26. Governor JB Pritzker issued a proclamation to increase public awareness about the dangers posed by lead exposure. He emphasized that lead-contaminated dust and lead-based paint in homes built before 1978 continue to be significant sources of exposure.
IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra stated, “Lead poisoning can cause long-term harm and the sooner it is identified, the better chance we have of treating it and reversing its effects.” He added, “There is no safe level of lead exposure. During this Child Lead Poisoning Prevention Week and every week, IDPH will remain vigilant with our local partners in helping children and their families who are at risk receive the help they need.”
Children face the greatest risk from lead exposure, which can result in brain and nervous system damage, slowed growth, learning difficulties, and behavioral issues. Despite the ban on lead-based paint since 1978, an estimated 3.3 million homes in Illinois were constructed before then, with approximately 1.2 million potentially still containing some form of lead hazard.
To address these concerns, IDPH has implemented various measures aimed at reducing exposure and mitigating its effects. A statewide lead-testing program focuses on high-risk ZIP codes and has been expanding annually toward universal testing for infants and toddlers by 2026.
In 2023 alone, over 200,000 children in high-risk areas were tested for elevated blood lead levels; more than 3,200 showed elevated levels requiring case management services to identify and eliminate sources of contamination. The current intervention threshold is five micrograms per deciliter (μg/dL), but as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Illinois will lower this standard to 3.5 μg/dL starting January 1, 2025.
IDPH also manages the Comprehensive Lead Education, Reduction, and Window Replacement Program (CLEAR-WIN), offering grants to local health departments for property owner assistance with lead abatement efforts. Current grant recipients include departments in Christian County, Ford County, Lee County Montgomery County Winnebago County.
For more details on CLEAR-WIN or other initiatives against lead poisoning by IDPH visit their website.
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