Omer Osman Secretary of Transportation | LinkedIn
Omer Osman Secretary of Transportation | LinkedIn
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has expanded its list of ZIP codes requiring lead exposure testing for children. This year, 180 new ZIP codes from 47 counties have been added, increasing the total to over 1,350 high-risk areas. By next year, all remaining ZIP codes in Illinois will be included to implement universal childhood lead testing.
“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 poses risks such as brain and nervous system damage, slowed growth, developmental issues, behavioral problems, and learning difficulties. More information can be found at Lead Poisoning Prevention.
Illinois law mandates automatic testing for children residing in high-risk ZIP codes at 12 and 24 months old. All children under six must be assessed using a questionnaire by healthcare providers, with further tests for those falling into other risk categories.
High-risk ZIP codes are determined by an algorithm considering various risk factors. The newly expanded list becomes effective on July 1, 2025, available at Pediatric Lead Poisoning High-Risk ZIP Code Areas.
Blood tests showing lead levels above 3.5 micrograms per deciliter require public health intervention under current Illinois law. This includes home inspections to identify contamination sources and collaboration with homeowners for removal. Additionally, public health nurses educate families on protecting children from lead's harmful effects.
The new ZIP codes cover parts of Adams, Boone, Calhoun, Champaign, Clinton, Cook, DeKalb, DuPage, Effingham, Franklin, Grundy, Hamilton, Jackson, Jasper, Jefferson, Jersey County among others.
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