Childhood Lead Screening
Appointments only 309-679-6076
Contact your child’s doctor or call the Peoria City/County Health Department at 309-679-6076 to schedule a lead screening. Children should be tested for lead poisoning at 9 - 12 months of age and again at 18 - 24 months of age. Lead tests are free for children up to 6 years of age enrolled in Medicaid or WIC; the cost is $20 for children not enrolled in these programs.
Let Elmo Help You Learn About Lead
Lead is a kind of metal that can be found in some common items. If lead gets into the body, it can make people sick, especially young children whose bodies are growing. When lead gets into the body, it is called lead poisoning. Learning about lead can help your whole family stay healthy. Lead might not be something you can easily see, but everyone in your family can work together to keep the lead away.
- Lead is a heavy metal that does not degrade over time.
- There are no benefits to having lead in the human body.
- A normal lead level is 0.
- In Peoria County 1 in 20 children tested have a high lead level; that number is several times the national average.
- The amount of lead needed to poison our system is 1/100 of a sugar packet.
- Lead poisoning is a silent disease. Even children who appear healthy can have dangerous levels of lead in their bodies.
- Most homes built before 1978 contain lead based paint.
- The most common source of lead poisoning today is dust from lead based paint that has deteriorated or been disturbed while remodeling.
Lead hazards are especially bad for children up to age 3 because they put their hands and other objects that may be coated with lead dust into their mouths.
Lead poisoning can cause:
- Behavior and learning problems
- Delinquent behaviors
- Hearing problems
- Kidney problems
- Lower IQ
- Seizures and death
- Slowed growth
To learn more view Child Lead Information (PDF).
Lead Hazard Removal Program
Special funding is available for lead hazard (lead paint) removal on homes and rentals. Examples of lead hazard removal include homes built prior to 1978 for replacement of windows, doors, or siding that contains lead paint. Target homes are those with a pregnant woman or a home with a child who tested positive for lead. For more information, visit Lead Hazard Removal Program page.
Lead Recall Information
- U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission page
- Illinois Department of Public Health's Children's Product Safety page