Illinois lowers blood lead level screening measures for children

DIXON – The Illinois Department of Public Health has announced a stricter standard for public health interventions based on children’s blood lead test results in 2025.

Illinois law dictates that all children residing in a Pediatric Lead Poisoning High-Risk ZIP code area, which includes Dixon, Sterling and Rock Falls, are to be automatically screened for blood lead levels at 12, 24 and 36 months of age. Children ages 6 and younger are required to be assessed for lead exposure through a questionnaire administered by a pediatrician.

Under previous Illinois law, blood tests with lead levels exceeding 5 micrograms per deciliter required a public health intervention. The new rule approved by the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules in August 2024 and taken into effect on Jan. 1, lowered that to 3.5 micrograms per deciliter.

Lisa Wiggins, director of maternal and child health for the Lee County Health Department, said public health interventions include a home inspection to find the source of the lead contamination and a visit from a public health nurse who teaches household members how to protect themselves against the harmful effects of lead.

“We will end up with some positive lead screens that we’re going to have to do case management on,” Wiggins said. “The doctor’s office does the lead screen. If it’s a high lead level, it goes into their system, and that’s how we get notified. Then, we contact the parents and set up a home visit along with our lead assessor.”

There is no cost for the inspection and if lead is found in the home, the inspector will work with the owner to have it removed.

The new screening requirements are part of several public health system laws and regulations that went into effect Wednesday.

“The Illinois Department of Public Health is excited to see new laws and rules go into effect this new year to improve the health of Illinois’ public,” IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra said. “We appreciate the leadership of Governor JB Pritzker, the Illinois General Assembly and the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules in advancing solutions that protect our residents and make our Illinois communities healthier.”