Change Indicator

Young children tested for blood lead level in Delaware

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Why This Indicator Matters

Building and sustaining healthy environments is one of government’s core responsibilities to its citizens. All children deserve such environments, no matter where they live, learn and play in our state. The number of children with elevated blood lead levels (EBLLs) has dropped significantly in the past several decades. Despite this extraordinary success, disparities persist as certain vulnerable populations- like children living below the federal poverty level, children living in older housing, non-Hispanic blacks, Mexican Americans, immigrants, and refugees- are disproportionately affected.

Lead is a toxin formerly found in gasoline, paint and other household items. While lead is much less commonly found in home and work environments, lead poisoning still presents a major health concern and requires careful vigilance to prevent, because lead can't be seen, tasted or smelled. Exposure to lead can result in reduced IQ, learning disabilities, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), behavioral problems, stunted growth, impaired hearing, kidney damage, mental development delays, comas and even death. Lead poisoning can affect anyone, but children are affected the most due to vulnerabilities in their developing brains and bodies.

Work of the last several decades has resulted in a significant drop in the number of children with elevated blood lead levels. Despite the extraordinary success, disparities persist, with those disproportionately affected including children living below the federal poverty level, children living in older housing, non-Hispanic blacks, Latinos, immigrants and refugees. 

The best way to reduce childhood lead poisoning is by focusing on primary prevention, which entails removing lead hazards from the environment before a child is exposed. Early identification is a second-best strategy to reducing impact of environmental lead contaminants to children’s health. Health departments accomplish this using blood lead screening tests. To minimize the adverse effects of lead poisoning, it is essential that testing rates increase so no child is left undiagnosed and any child with an EBLL is treated early.

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Definition and Source

PROVIDER

Definition

The number of children tested >72 months of age.

Data Source

Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, Division of Public Health, Childhood Blood Lead Surveillance in Delaware

Notes

Not all of the population <72 months of age is required to have a test each year: in 2021, the Delaware General Assembly updated the Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Act which now mandates lead screening of all children at or around 12 months of age and again at 24 months of age.

Last Updated

March 2025