The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has updated its list of high-risk ZIP codes for lead exposure, requiring more children to undergo mandatory testing. As of July 1, an additional 148 ZIP codes across 60 counties in Illinois were added, bringing the total to nearly 1,200.

Recently High-risk Zones

New high zones in northern Illinois include,

• Boone
• Carroll
• DeKalb
• Jo Daviess
• Lee
• Ogle
• Monroe
• Rock Island
• Whiteside
• Winnebago

“We have an algorithm that shows us where the highest rates are in the state and takes into account. The age of homes in these areas to identify which ZIP codes present a high risk for child lead exposure,” said Kert McAfee from Illinois Department of Public Health Lead Program.

Enforced Testing Measures

Illinois law mandates that children living in a high-risk zip code must have their blood tested for lead when they are 12, 24 and 36 months old. Children below six years old must also undergo a questionnaire administered by their pediatrician to assess any potential lead exposure risks. Zeal Assistant Director of Whiteside County Health Department said, “having your child tested is vital if you stay within these ZIP codes because it’s hard to tell if your kid has been exposed to lead without a test.”

Effects Of Lead Exposure

According to IDPH Director, Dr. Sameer Vohra, “there is no safe amount of lead in the blood” and exposure to this heavy metal has been associated with serious health problems like physical and mental development issues. High amounts of lead in blood tests may require a public health action such as home inspection to find and remove the source of lead. Ryan Kerch, Environmental Health Supervisor at Winnebago County Health Department said that “lead based paint was banned in the US in 1978 so any home built before then is likely to have used such paint.”

Areas Of Lead Exposure

Lead is chiefly found in, Lead based paint (especially in homes constructed before 1978) Soil (contaminated by old leaded gasoline and from industrial activities) Water (due to presence of lead pipes or solder) Lead based paint, which was banned in 1978 remains a significant contributor of lead exposure especially when it’s disrupted or wears off creating lead dust.

Impact on Children’s Health

Exposure to this heavy metal can impact child development including, impacts on their nervous system Slow growth speed, Increased learning and behavioral difficulties Life-threatening situations such as coma and death. In October 2023, Governor JB Pritzker marked October 22 28 as Lead Poisoning Prevention Week for Children highlighting the need for decreasing child exposure to the element. Illinois tops national charts for child exposure rates predominantly because of deteriorating paint work within homes that were built before the ban.

State Response and Future Initiatives

The IDPH seeks to reinforce its team handling increased number of cases resulting from broader testing parameters. Currently around two percent are identified with high amounts from around Illinois.

Testing For All by the Year 2026

IDPH aims at imposing general lead exposure testing throughout all Illinois ZIP codes by year 2026. “We would love just testing all kids now, though this would add so many cases to the list that we may not be able to handle them swiftly” said Kert McAfee.

Support Measures and Financial Aid

The IDPH established the Comprehensive Lead Education, Reduction and Window Replacement initiative to ease the financial load of eradicating lead for low-income property owners. Owners are eligible to apply for grants up till June 30, 2025, which will help with window replacement and other techniques to control lead risks.

Additional efforts include,

• The previously mentioned program provides financial aid for low-income homes looking for lead risk management.
• Grant assistance available till June 30th, 2025, supports window replacement and other risk control measures.

Key tips for reducing lead exposure risks are,

• Frequent wet mopping, hard surface floors help reduce dust amounts with lead.
• Regular washing of hands and toys, especially within homes using old paint based on lead.

Engaging Communities and Increasing Awareness

Community awareness engagement is key in battling risks presenting from exposure. The IDPH continues efforts in educating the public while giving resources to impacted regions. The extension of mandatory testing is important towards reducing poisoning rates thereby safeguarding youngsters within Illinois.

Conclusion

Increasing number of ZIP codes taken as high risks for conducting tests within Illinois is an essential move towards shielding children from dangers posed by exposure. Through its proactive approach, IDPH is allowing more children access vital testing services along with interventions capable of averting serious health complications. The goal set by the state in aiming universal examination by year 2026 points towards strategizing towards long term child wellness protection across Illinois.