310 E. Torrance Ave., P. O. Box 650

Pontiac, Illinois 61764  map

PH. 1-815-844-7174    FAX 1-815-842-2408    TDD 1-800-526-0844

• Lead Risk Assessment Questionnaire

• Illinois Department of Public Health Pediatric Lead Poisoning High-Risk ZIP Code Areas

Lead Screening

  The amendment to the Lead Poisoning Prevention law says that doctors shall screen children seven years of age and older if the physician decides that the child is at risk for lead poisoning.  There is no further school requirement for older children.  To view the entire text, go to www.legis.state.il.us and select "Public Acts" (Public Act 93-104).   The amendment to Section 6.2 (c) becomes effective January 1, 2004.

The requirement that children must be tested or assessed applies to children six months through six years of age.  They must show proof of testing or assessment when entering day care, preschool or kindergarten.  A doctor or nurse must sign the Lead Risk Assessment Questionnaire. This section of the law has not changed.  The school nurse can review the risk assessment questionnaire with the parent and can sign the form.  Be advised that any single "Yes" or "Don't Know" requires a blood lead test, as does residing in a high risk ZIP code. 

The law adheres to the recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics, therefore, younger children who are at risk for lead poisoning based on the answers provided on the Lead Risk Assessment Questionnaire should have a blood lead test at 12 and 24 months as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

All children entering Kindergarten or a preschool program for the first time are required to have a lead screening. The screening must be done anytime between 6 months to 6 years of age. Children living in a high risk zip code area must have a blood test done. If a child resides in the low risk area, then a blood test is only required for any "yes" answer on the risk assessment questionnaire.

High risk zip codes for Livingston County include the following:

60420    60460    60920    60921    60929    60934    61311    61313    61333    61740    61741    61743    61769    61775