ILLINOIS, USA — Nearly 150 more high-risk zip codes have been added to the Illinois Department of Public Health's lead testing list.
IDPH keeps track of zip codes throughout the state where residents are at a higher risk of lead exposure. On July 1, 148 new zip codes, representing 60 Illinois counties, were added to the list. That brings the total number of high risk zip codes up to almost 1,200.
That number has been growing over the years. By 2026, IDPH wants to implement universal testing for lead exposure across all Illinois zip codes.
The current zip codes listed are determined through an algorithm. IDPH says they're assessed on a 'number of different factors.'
In the QCA, the additional zip codes recently added are found in seven area counties:
- Carroll
- Henry
- Jo Daviess
- Lee
- Ogle
- Rock Island
- Whiteside
If your zip code is not listed above, it does not necessarily mean that its not already on the list. You can check out the full zip code list here.
Under Illinois law, any child residing in a high risk zip code is to be automatically tested at 12 and 24 months. All children six years of age and younger are required to be assessed for lead exposure through the use of a questionnaire administered by a pediatrician. Children who fall into other risk categories in the questionnaire are also tested.
Blood tests that come back with lead levels in excess of five micrograms per deciliter require a public health intervention. A home inspection will determine the source of the contamination. If lead is found, a public health nurse will educate the family on ways to protect their children, while an inspector will work with the homeowner to remove the sources of lead.
“There is no safe level of lead in the blood,” said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. “To better serve our children and build brighter futures for all of our residents, IDPH is acting to ensure that more children have access to the testing and interventions necessary to decrease the potential serious physical and developmental health concerns linked to lead exposure.”
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