How many children in Mississippi have high lead levels?

CDC tracks county-level percentages of children with blood lead levels of 5 μg/dL or higher, which vary across Mississippi. Contact the State Department of Health or visit the CDC's Childhood Lead Exposure Prevention Program for current county data.

Does Medicaid cover blood lead testing in Mississippi?

Yes, Mississippi requires blood lead screening for children enrolled in Medicaid, starting at age 1. Speak with your pediatrician or Medicaid provider about scheduling a test.

Where can I get my child tested for lead in Mississippi?

Your pediatrician can order a test. If you need free or low-cost screening, contact the Mississippi State Department of Health's Lead Poisoning Prevention Program for referrals to local clinics.

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

Work with your pediatrician to identify the source of exposure (often lead paint in older homes, contaminated soil, or household items) and reduce it safely. The CDC website provides step-by-step guidance for families.

Childhood Blood Lead Surveillance Data — Mississippi

What Mississippi tracks about children's lead exposure

Mississippi's State Department of Health monitors blood lead levels in children through its Lead Poisoning Prevention Program. This data helps identify where children are being exposed to lead — whether from drinking water, paint in older homes, soil, or other sources.

The most recent CDC data shows Mississippi's county-level percentages of children with elevated blood lead levels (5 micrograms per deciliter or higher). These percentages vary by county and reflect ongoing exposure risks in communities across the state.

Who gets tested and how

Mississippi requires blood lead screening for children enrolled in Medicaid, typically starting at age 1. Many pediatricians also screen children outside Medicaid, especially in areas where lead hazards are known to be present. Screening is a simple blood test — usually done at the same time as routine check-ups.

If your child attends a Mississippi school or participates in a Medicaid-covered health program, ask your pediatrician whether they've been screened for lead. If not, you can request a test directly.

How to get your child tested

Contact your pediatrician or local health department. If your family is uninsured or cost is a concern, the State Department of Health's Lead Poisoning Prevention Program can direct you to free or low-cost screening options. You can also call Mississippi's lead program office for guidance.

What to do if blood lead levels are elevated

If your child's test comes back above 5 μg/dL, your pediatrician will work with you on next steps. This typically includes identifying the source of exposure (usually lead paint in homes built before 1978, contaminated soil, or certain hobbies), reducing that source, and sometimes repeat testing. The CDC website has detailed guidance for families on managing elevated levels safely.

Where the data lives

County-level childhood blood lead surveillance data is published by the CDC's Childhood Lead Exposure Prevention Program. The Mississippi State Department of Health also maintains records and can provide more detail if you contact them directly about your area.

Next steps for residents

Ask your pediatrician if your child has been screened for lead; if not, request a test.
Contact Mississippi's lead program office (part of the State Department of Health) for free or low-cost screening if you need it.
If elevated levels are found, work with your pediatrician to identify lead sources in your home or environment and get guidance on reducing exposure.
Check the CDC's lead website for safety steps while you address the source.

Childhood blood lead surveillance data in Mississippi