Childhood Blood Lead Surveillance Data — Maryland
Understanding lead exposure in Maryland children
Maryland tracks blood lead levels in children through its childhood lead surveillance program, overseen by the Maryland Department of Health's Lead Poisoning Prevention Program. This monitoring helps identify children exposed to lead — whether from drinking water, paint, soil, or other sources — and connect families to support.
Who gets screened and how
Maryland requires blood lead testing for children enrolled in Medicaid, which covers a significant portion of the state's young population. The CDC also collects and publishes county-level data on the percentage of children with elevated blood lead levels (5 micrograms per deciliter or higher), which has become the CDC's reference value for concern.
Testing rates and results vary by county. Some areas have higher screening rates because more children are enrolled in Medicaid or because pediatricians are more proactive about testing. Higher screening rates can sometimes appear to show higher lead exposure — but this reflects better detection, not necessarily worse conditions.
What the data shows
Maryland's surveillance data is part of a national picture tracked by the CDC. While Maryland is not currently designated as having widespread drinking water lead issues at the state level, lead exposure in children remains a public health concern, particularly in older housing with lead paint and in homes served by aging water infrastructure.
Lead can accumulate in a child's body over time. Even low-level exposure during early childhood can affect learning and behavior. If you're concerned about your child's exposure, talk to your pediatrician about testing.
How to access the data
You can request detailed blood lead surveillance data for your county or community from:
- Maryland Department of Health, Lead Poisoning Prevention Program: (410) 767-6500 or visit the Maryland Department of Health website
- CDC's Childhood Lead Exposure Tracking: Visit CDC CLET for national and state-level summaries
Your local health department can also provide information about lead testing resources and resources for lead remediation in your home.
Next steps for residents
- Get your child tested: Ask your pediatrician about a blood lead test, especially if your home was built before 1978 or you have concerns about water quality.
- Know your water system: Contact your local water utility to ask if your service lines are lead or if lead testing has been done in your area.
- Request county data: Reach out to your county health department to ask about childhood blood lead levels in your neighborhood.
- Reduce lead sources at home: The EPA and HUD offer free guidance on identifying and managing lead paint, fixtures, and soil.
```json [ { "q": "What blood lead level is considered elevated in Maryland?", "a": "The CDC now considers 5 micrograms per deciliter (µg/dL) or higher as elevated and of concern. Maryland's surveillance program tracks children at this threshold. Your pediatrician can explain what a test result means for your child." }, { "q": "Are all Maryland children tested for lead?", "a": "Testing is required for children enrolled in Medicaid. Other children may be tested if a parent or pediatrician requests it or if risk factors are present (such as old housing). Ask your doctor about whether screening is recommended for your child." }, { "q": "Can lead in drinking water cause high blood lead levels in children?", "a": "Yes, lead service lines and older plumbing can leach lead into drinking water. However, lead paint in homes is typically the largest source of childhood exposure. Both water and home environment matter — talk to your pediatrician if you're concerned about either risk." }, { "q": "How do I find out if my child has been exposed to lead?", "a": "A blood test is the only way to know. Contact your child's pediatrician or your local health department to arrange