What is a normal blood lead level for children?

The CDC considers 5 micrograms per deciliter the reference level; levels at or above this are considered elevated and warrant investigation. However, there is no known safe level of lead in children's blood.

Does Nebraska Medicaid cover lead testing for kids?

Yes. Medicaid covers blood lead screening for all enrolled children. Talk to your child's healthcare provider about whether screening is recommended based on your child's age and living situation.

Where does lead in children's blood usually come from?

The most common sources are lead-based paint in homes built before 1978, contaminated soil, and old plumbing. Drinking water is typically a smaller contributor unless your home has lead service lines or outdated fixtures.

How do I find out if my neighborhood has high childhood blood lead levels?

Contact the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services Division of Public Health at 402-471-2937 to request county-level or regional surveillance data, which they track and update regularly.

Childhood Blood Lead Surveillance in Nebraska

Why blood lead levels matter

Lead exposure in children can harm brain development, behavior, and learning — even at low levels. Blood lead testing is the only way to know if a child has been exposed. Nebraska tracks these results to identify at-risk communities and guide prevention efforts.

Nebraska's pediatric screening program

The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Division of Public Health, oversees the state's lead surveillance system. The program collects blood lead test results from healthcare providers and laboratories across the state to monitor childhood exposure trends.

Medicaid covers blood lead screening for all enrolled children. The CDC recommends universal screening at ages 1 and 2, and risk-based screening for older children living in pre-1978 homes, near industrial sites, or in areas with known lead hazards.

What the data shows

Nebraska's lead surveillance program tracks the percentage of children tested who have elevated blood lead levels (≥5 micrograms per deciliter, the CDC reference level). This data is reported at the county level and helps public health officials spot where intervention is most needed.

To request specific blood lead surveillance data for your county or region — including testing rates, elevated level percentages, and demographic breakdowns — contact the Nebraska DHHS Division of Public Health directly. They can provide current results and help you understand local trends.

Lead in Nebraska drinking water

Across Nebraska, 1,236 public water systems serve approximately 1.8 million residents. Most lead exposure in children comes from sources other than drinking water — primarily old paint in pre-1978 homes — but tap water can still be a contributor, especially in homes with lead service lines or old plumbing.

If you're concerned about lead in your home's water, ask your water utility for a copy of their lead service line inventory and most recent water quality report (called a Consumer Confidence Report). Testing is simple and inexpensive.

Next steps for residents

Ask your child's doctor about blood lead screening at their next checkup, especially if your home was built before 1978.
Contact the Nebraska DHHS (402-471-2937) or visit their lead program webpage to request county-level surveillance data.
Get your water tested by your local water utility or a certified lab if you suspect lead in your tap water.
Learn about home lead hazards from the EPA's "Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home" guide.

Childhood blood lead surveillance data in Nebraska