Lead Screening

Lead Screening is required for children per the Lead Poisoning Prevention Act. This applies to children six months through six years of age. Families must show proof of testing or assessment when children are entering daycare, preschool or kindergarten. A doctor or nurse must sign the Lead Risk Assessment Questionnaire. A school nurse can review the risk assessment questionnaire with a parent and 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**.

**All ZIP codes in Livingston County are considered High-Risk.

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. 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.

On January 1, 2025, new lead level measurement of 3.5 mg/dL takes effect. Please visit the IDPH Lead Poisoning Prevention site for more information.