Childhood Blood Lead Surveillance Data — Arizona
Understanding Arizona's lead screening program
Arizona's Department of Health Services (ADHS) tracks childhood blood lead levels across the state through its lead surveillance program. This data helps public health officials understand where children may be exposed to lead—whether through water, paint, soil, or other sources—and target prevention efforts accordingly.
What Arizona tracks
Arizona participates in the CDC's national childhood blood lead surveillance system. The state monitors blood lead test results from children, particularly those covered by Medicaid, which provides broad coverage for pediatric screening. County-level data on the percentage of children with elevated blood lead levels (5 micrograms per deciliter or higher) is reported to the CDC and made publicly available.
This information is important because even low-level lead exposure can affect children's brain development, behavior, and academic performance. The CDC recommends that all children aged 1–5 be tested for lead.
How to access Arizona's blood lead data
To request detailed surveillance data or learn about current screening rates in your county, contact:
Arizona Department of Health Services Office of Environmental Health and Engineering Lead Program
You can also request data through ADHS's public health data portal or by contacting your local county health department, which often has county-specific information.
The CDC's Childhood Lead Exposure Prevention Program also publishes state and county-level elevated blood lead prevalence data that may include Arizona figures.
What elevated levels mean for your home
If your child has been tested and has an elevated blood lead level, the source could be your home's water system, but it could also be lead-based paint (especially in homes built before 1978), contaminated soil, or other environmental sources. A pediatrician or local health department can help identify likely sources and next steps.
Water systems serving 7.3 million Arizona residents are required to test for lead and inform the public of results. Check your water utility's annual water quality report (called a Consumer Confidence Report) to see if lead has been detected in your area.
Next steps for residents
- Request your county's blood lead data from ADHS or your county health department to understand screening rates in your area.
- Ask your pediatrician if your child should be tested for lead, especially if your home was built before 1980.
- Get your water tested through your utility or a certified lab if you're concerned about lead in your tap water.
- Contact your water utility for a copy of their lead service line inventory and water quality test results.
```json [ { "q": "What is a normal blood lead level for children in Arizona?", "a": "The CDC considers 5 micrograms per deciliter (mcg/dL) the reference value—above this level, children should receive follow-up evaluation. Arizona's surveillance program tracks how many children test above this threshold by county. Your pediatrician can explain your child's individual result." }, { "q": "Does Arizona Medicaid cover lead testing for children?", "a": "Yes. Arizona's Medicaid program (AHCCCS) covers blood lead screening for children. The CDC recommends all children aged 1–5 be tested, and your child's doctor can order this test." }, { "q": "Can lead in water cause elevated blood lead levels in children?", "a": "Yes, but water is usually not the largest source of childhood lead exposure. Lead-based paint in older homes is typically the primary source. A water test can rule out your tap water as a contributor, and your local health department can help identify other likely sources." }, { "q": "How do I find my county's childhood blood lead data?", "a": "Contact Arizona Department of Health Services' Lead Program or your county health department to request county-level blood lead surveillance data. The CDC's website also publishes state and county elevated blood