There are no safe levels of lead.

Studies have documented neurological effects, speech & hearing problems, hyperactivity, behavior, learning, & other problems with BLLs over 5 µg/dL.

TEST RESULT
(BLL µg/dL)
 NEXT STEP: It’s important to not miss appointments, & to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions carefully!
Low (<) 3.3 There is very little lead in your child’s blood.
  • Use the tips provided here to keep your child safe from lead poisoning.
4 - 9Your doctor may want
to retest in 3 to 6 months		 Your child has a little more lead than most children.
  • If the result is above 8 in NY, or 5 in CA, your child may need to have another test using blood from a vein (usually in the arm).
10 to 14Your child needs to
be tested again in
1 to 3 months		 Your child's lead result is high & requires action.
  • Your child will need to have another test using blood from a vein (usually in the arm).
  • Your healthcare provider will look closely at your child's health, development, & treatment needs.
  • Someone from your local health department may visit your home to identify lead hazards & help you create a plan to eliminate them.
15 - 44At 15 - 24, child needs a retest
in 1 to 3 months

At 25 - 44, child needs a retest
in 2 weeks to 1 month		 Your child's lead level is quite high. You and your doctor should act quickly.
  • In addition to all the steps listed above in the 10 to 14 level, your healthcare provider or local health department may recommend additional activities or services to help your child grow, develop, & learn better.
45 or higherYour child needs to be tested
again after treatment		 This is a dangerously high level of lead. Your child needs medical treatment right away.
  • Your child might have to stay in a hospital, especially if your home has lead. The hospital may begin chelation therapy, a very strong medicine to remove the lead from the child's body.
  • Your child should not go back home until the lead sources are removed or fixed. Your local health department will help you identify how your child was exposed to lead in order to eliminate the lead hazard.
  • Your healthcare provider or local health department may recommend additional activities or services to help your child grow, develop, & learn better.
No matter what you're child's result, talk to your healthcare practitioner about what you can do to reduce the negative effects of lead & help your child reach his or her full potential. You can also call your local health department, listed in the phone book blue pages.
Are you pregnant? Tell your healthcare provider if you think you've been exposed to lead, or if your child has an elevated blood-lead level. Click here to learn more

HOW ARE CHILDREN EXPOSED TO LEAD?

Lead sources may include: paint chips, dust, & soil in or around older (pre-1978) buildings older painted objects leaded glass, crystal, pewter, & ceramic dishes (more likely in painted china & in pottery from Latin America, the Middle East, & India) herbal/traditional remedies & cosmetics from other countries candy from Mexico toys & trinkets
Doctors and Public Health, click here to learn how the LeadCare II system can help you meet your state's blood-lead screening requirements.