At what age should my child be tested for lead?

New York recommends blood lead testing at ages 1 and 2 for all children, especially those on Medicaid. Ask your pediatrician whether testing is right for your child based on risk factors like home age and location.

What blood lead level is considered elevated in New York?

The CDC's current reference level is 3.5 micrograms per deciliter. New York follows this standard when reporting surveillance data. Your pediatrician can explain what your child's specific result means.

How do I get my child's blood lead test results?

Contact your pediatrician or the laboratory that performed the test. If you want county-level or statewide data, reach out to your local health department or the New York State Department of Health Environmental Health Bureau.

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

Yes, lead in water can be a significant source of childhood lead exposure, especially in homes with older plumbing. Ask your water utility about free lead testing and consider running water tests if your home was built before 1986.

Childhood Blood Lead Surveillance Data — New York

Why blood lead testing matters for your child

Lead exposure in early childhood can affect brain development, learning, and behavior—even at low levels. Blood lead testing is the only way to know if your child has been exposed. New York tracks childhood blood lead levels statewide to identify where children are at risk and guide prevention efforts.

New York's screening program

New York requires blood lead testing for all children enrolled in Medicaid at ages 1 and 2, and recommends universal screening at these ages regardless of insurance. The state also screens children with known risk factors—like living in older homes, drinking from lead-contaminated water, or attending child care in buildings built before 1978.

The New York State Department of Health oversees lead surveillance through its Environmental Health Bureau. The department collects blood lead test results from laboratories and healthcare providers across the state.

What the data shows

As of the most recent reporting period, the state continues to monitor elevated blood lead levels (defined as 3.5 micrograms per deciliter or higher by the CDC's current reference level). County-level data varies significantly—some areas report higher percentages of children with elevated levels, often correlating with older housing stock and water infrastructure.

How to access the data

To request your child's own blood lead test results or to learn what testing is available through your pediatrician or local health department, contact:

Your pediatrician — they can order a blood lead test
Your local health department — ask about free or low-cost screening
New York State Department of Health, Environmental Health Bureau — request aggregate county-level or statewide data

The state publishes annual lead surveillance summaries; ask your county health department if you want specific numbers for your area.

If your child has elevated blood lead

If your child tests positive for elevated lead, your pediatrician and local health department will help identify the source and discuss next steps. The CDC website has evidence-based guidance for managing childhood lead exposure.

Next steps for residents

Talk to your pediatrician about whether your child should be tested, especially if you live in a home built before 1978 or have concerns about lead in water
Contact your local health department to ask about free or subsidized blood lead screening in your area
Request water testing through your water utility if you suspect lead in your home's plumbing (most utilities offer this free)
Learn about lead sources in your home at the EPA's lead safety website

Childhood blood lead surveillance data in New York