Childhood Blood Lead Surveillance Data — Indiana

Why track childhood blood lead levels?

Blood lead level testing is the only way to know if a child has been exposed to lead. Even low exposures can affect brain development, learning, and behavior. Indiana's health department tracks these levels across the state to identify where children face the highest risk and where prevention efforts should focus.

Indiana's blood lead surveillance program

Indiana monitors childhood blood lead levels through its lead prevention program, run by the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH). The program collects data from healthcare providers, laboratories, and Medicaid claims to build a picture of which children have elevated levels and where they live.

Who gets tested?

• Medicaid-enrolled children ages 1–5 are the primary group tracked in Indiana's surveillance system.
• Healthcare providers may also test children with known lead exposure risks (older homes, hobby/occupational exposure, recent immigration from countries with higher lead use).
• Testing is especially important if a child lives in or frequently visits a home built before 1978, when lead paint was common.

What counts as "elevated"?

The CDC's blood lead reference value is currently 3.5 micrograms per deciliter (µg/dL). Any level at or above this warrants attention and follow-up, even though it's lower than older thresholds. Indiana tracks the percentage of tested children meeting or exceeding this level by county.

How to access Indiana's data

To request county-level or statewide childhood blood lead data:

• Contact the ISDH Lead Program directly through the Indiana State Department of Health website or by phone. Ask for surveillance data by county and year.
• The CDC also publishes state-level trends in its annual Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) and maintains county-level data accessible through its interactive mapping tools.
• Your pediatrician or local health department can discuss your child's individual test results and next steps.

If your child has an elevated blood lead level

Do not panic—most elevated levels are reversible with source removal. Your healthcare provider will: 1. Confirm the result with a second test 2. Help identify the lead source (paint, water, soil, dust, imported items) 3. Create a plan to reduce exposure 4. Schedule follow-up testing

For guidance on health effects and management, consult your pediatrician or the CDC's lead and children resources.

Next steps for residents

• Request your child's test results from your pediatrician or local health department if you suspect lead exposure.
• Ask your water utility whether your home's service line is lead, iron, or galvanized (water can contribute to childhood lead exposure).
• Check your county's blood lead percentage by contacting the Indiana State Department of Health or consulting CDC data.
• Talk to your pediatrician about testing recommendations for your child's age and home.

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