Lead Screening for Children: Protecting Your Child’s Health Early
April 23, 2026
Lead screening is a simple way to find lead exposure early and protect a child’s health, growth, and development.
Lead Exposure and Children’s Health
Exposure to lead can seriously harm a child’s health. Lead is a toxic metal that can damage the brain and nervous system and interfere with normal growth and development.
Children exposed to lead may experience:
Learning and behavior problems
Slowed growth and development
Lower IQ
Difficulty paying attention
Hearing and speech problems
Because children may not show obvious symptoms, lead exposure often goes unnoticed unless a blood test is done. There is no safe level of lead in children, and any amount detected should be taken seriously.
Why Young Children Are at Higher Risk
Children under six years of age are especially vulnerable to lead exposure. Their bodies and brains are still developing, and they absorb lead more easily than adults. Young children also tend to put their hands or other objects in their mouths, increasing the chance of swallowing lead dust or soil.
Who Should Be Screened
Children enrolled in Medicaid are required to receive blood lead tests at 12 and 24 months of age. Children between 24 and 72 months who have not previously been tested are also required to take a test.
Common Sources of Lead
Lead can be found in many places in a child’s environment, including:
Lead‑based paint and dust in older homes
Soil contaminated by peeling paint
Drinking water from lead pipes or plumbing fixtures
Certain toys, jewelry, imported foods, or traditional remedies
Lead brought into the home from certain jobs or hobbies
Because these sources may not be obvious, testing and prevention are important.
Steps to Make Homes Lead‑Safe
The good news is that childhood lead exposure is preventable. Preventing exposure before it occurs is the most effective way to protect children’s health.
Simple steps families can take include:
Washing children’s hands, toys, and frequently touched surfaces often
Keeping homes clean to reduce lead dust
Repairing peeling or chipping paint in older homes
Using cold tap water for drinking and cooking
Avoiding products that may contain lead
If lead exposure is identified early, steps can be taken to reduce further exposure and protect a child’s long‑term health.
Need help scheduling a visit or finding a provider for your child? Call the customer service number on the back of your Presbyterian Health Plan member ID card. We’re here to help.
Clinical information based on recommendations provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
