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Childhood blood lead surveillance data in Massachusetts

What do blood lead levels look like for children in Massachusetts?

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Childhood Blood Lead Surveillance Data — Massachusetts

Why blood lead testing matters

A child's blood lead level is the most direct way to know whether they've been exposed to lead. Lead can come from many sources—paint in old homes, contaminated soil, and in some cases, drinking water. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health tracks these levels statewide to identify where children are at highest risk and target help where it's needed most.

Massachusetts's screening program

Massachusetts requires blood lead testing for children enrolled in Medicaid and for those ages 1–5 in certain clinical settings. The state's Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (part of the Department of Public Health's Environmental Health Bureau) collects this data and monitors trends by county.

The CDC tracks the percentage of children tested in each county who have blood lead levels at or above 3.5 micrograms per deciliter (µg/dL)—the reference level that signals potential exposure. This information helps public health officials focus prevention efforts on neighborhoods and communities with the highest rates.

How to access surveillance data

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health publishes:

  • County-level blood lead percentages through the CDC's National Environmental Public Health Tracking Network
  • Annual reports and trends on the state health department's lead poisoning prevention website
  • Local data through your local board of health

To request detailed data for your specific town or neighborhood, contact:

Massachusetts Department of Public Health Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program Phone: [Check state website for current contact]

What the numbers tell you

High percentages in your area don't mean your child has been exposed—they mean more children have tested positive, which suggests lead hazards are present in that community (typically in housing). This is actionable information: it tells you to have your child tested if they haven't been, and to ask your pediatrician about screening.

Next steps for residents

  • Ask your pediatrician if your child should be tested for blood lead, especially if you live in an older home or a high-risk zip code
  • Check your county's data on the CDC's Tracking Network to understand local exposure patterns
  • Contact your local board of health for information on lead hazard inspections and removal assistance in your area
  • Have your water tested if your home was built before 1986 and you haven't had a recent lead test; contact your water utility for guidance

Related topics in Massachusetts

Common questions

What blood lead level is considered elevated in Massachusetts?

The CDC's reference level is 3.5 µg/dL. Levels at or above this suggest exposure and warrant follow-up testing and investigation into sources. Massachusetts tracks this metric across counties to identify high-risk areas.

Does my child automatically get tested for lead in Massachusetts?

Children enrolled in Medicaid are required to be screened. Others may be tested depending on their health care setting and risk factors. Talk to your pediatrician about whether your child should be tested.

How do I find blood lead data for my town or neighborhood?

The CDC's National Environmental Public Health Tracking Network shows county-level percentages. For more granular data, contact your local board of health or the Massachusetts Department of Public Health's Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program.

Can lead in drinking water cause high blood lead levels in children?

Yes, lead service lines and old plumbing can contaminate water, especially in homes built before the 1980s. If you have an older home, ask your water utility about lead testing and consider having your water tested independently.