Childhood Blood Lead Surveillance in Delaware
What Delaware's blood lead data tells you
Delaware tracks blood lead levels in children through its state health surveillance program. This data comes from blood tests — the only way to know if a child has been exposed to lead. While Delaware's water systems serve over 1 million residents across 464 public supplies, lead exposure in children can come from multiple sources: old pipes, paint, soil, and dust in homes built before 1978.
The Delaware Division of Public Health monitors pediatric blood lead cases and reports findings to the CDC's national surveillance system. These reports show which Delaware counties have higher rates of children with elevated blood lead levels (typically defined as 3.5 micrograms per deciliter or higher, though no level is considered fully safe).
How to find Delaware's blood lead data
The CDC tracks state and county-level data on children with elevated blood lead levels. You can search the CDC's blood lead data portal to see Delaware's most recent pediatric screening results by county.
For more detailed information specific to your county or neighborhood, contact:
Delaware Division of Public Health Lead Program Office (302) 744-4700
They can provide:
- County-specific blood lead surveillance summaries
- Information about local screening programs
- Guidance on next steps if your child has been tested
Medicaid and screening coverage in Delaware
Delaware Medicaid covers blood lead screening for eligible children. Talk with your pediatrician about whether screening is recommended for your child, especially if your home was built before 1978 or if you live in an older neighborhood.
Why water testing matters, even with low lead reports
While Delaware's public water systems have reported very low known lead service lines, testing your home's tap water is still a practical step. Lead enters water through old pipes on your property, not just the main line. The EPA recommends a free or low-cost water test if your home was built before 1986 or if you're concerned about lead exposure.
Next steps for residents
- Request a water test: Contact your local water utility or Delaware's Division of Public Health for information about free or low-cost tap water testing.
- Ask about your child's screening: Schedule a conversation with your pediatrician about whether blood lead screening is appropriate.
- Check CDC county data: Look up your Delaware county's current pediatric blood lead surveillance numbers at CDC.gov.
- Learn about home lead hazards: Visit the CDC's lead prevention guide for steps to reduce lead exposure at home.
```json [ { "q": "What is a normal blood lead level for children in Delaware?", "a": "The CDC considers 3.5 micrograms per deciliter as the reference value for concern, but no level of lead in blood is considered safe. Your pediatrician can interpret your child's specific test result." }, { "q": "Does Delaware Medicaid cover blood lead screening?", "a": "Yes, Medicaid covers blood lead screening for eligible children. Ask your pediatrician or local health department about whether screening is recommended for your child." }, { "q": "How do I find out if lead is in my tap water in Delaware?", "a": "Contact your local water utility or the Delaware Division of Public Health at (302) 744-4700 to arrange a free or low-cost tap water test. You can also request your water system's most recent lead service line inventory." }, { "q": "Where can I see Delaware's childhood blood lead data by county?", "a": "The CDC publishes state and county-level blood lead surveillance data at CDC.gov/nceh/lead/data. You can also contact the