What is a normal blood lead level for children in Georgia?

Georgia uses the CDC's current reference value of 3.5 micrograms per deciliter. Any level at or above this is considered elevated and requires follow-up. Lower levels can still affect development, so the goal is always as low as possible.

How can I get my child tested for lead in Georgia?

Ask your pediatrician for a blood lead test. If your child is on Medicaid, testing is covered. Your local Georgia health district can also provide information about free or low-cost testing clinics in your area.

Does Georgia report blood lead data by county?

Yes. The CDC and Georgia Department of Public Health track the percentage of children with elevated blood lead levels at the county level. You can request this data from your local health district or the state's lead program office.

What should I do if my child's blood lead level is elevated?

Follow up with your pediatrician immediately for repeat testing and medical evaluation. The Georgia Department of Public Health can help identify sources of lead in your home and connect you with resources to reduce exposure.

Childhood Blood Lead Surveillance Data — Georgia

What Georgia tracks about children's lead exposure

Georgia's Department of Public Health maintains a surveillance system that monitors blood lead levels in children across the state. This data is crucial because even low levels of lead exposure can affect children's development, learning, and behavior — effects that aren't always obvious right away.

The state collects this information through its pediatric blood lead screening program, which covers children tested in healthcare settings, laboratories, and public health clinics. Healthcare providers are required to report elevated blood lead test results to the state, creating a statewide picture of where exposure is happening.

Who gets tested and how results are tracked

Georgia's Medicaid program covers blood lead screening for children, and the CDC tracks county-level data on the percentage of children with elevated blood lead levels (defined as 3.5 micrograms per deciliter or higher — the current CDC reference value). This means families with Medicaid coverage have access to testing, though not all children in Georgia are automatically screened.

The data is available at the county level, allowing you to see how your area compares to other parts of Georgia and the nation. Screening rates and results can vary widely by county depending on how actively providers order tests and how many children are tested.

How to get Georgia's blood lead data

To request detailed surveillance data for your county or to learn about the state's lead prevention program, contact:

Georgia Department of Public Health Environmental Health Section / Lead Program Office

You can reach them through the main department website or call your local health district. They can provide county-specific percentages of children with elevated blood lead levels, screening rates, and information about free or low-cost testing in your area.

What the numbers mean

A child with an elevated blood lead level needs follow-up testing, a home assessment for lead sources, and medical management. The goal is always to find and reduce the source of exposure — whether that's paint, soil, water, or other materials in the home.

Next steps for residents

Contact your child's doctor to ask about blood lead screening if your child hasn't been tested, especially if your home was built before 1978.
Call your local Georgia health district to request county-level surveillance data and learn about free testing options.
Report test results to your pediatrician and ask about next steps if levels are elevated.
Reach out to Georgia's lead program for resources on finding and controlling lead sources in your home.

Childhood blood lead surveillance data in Georgia