Childhood Blood Lead Levels in Tennessee
Why blood lead testing matters
Lead exposure can harm child development, learning, and behavior — even at low levels. Blood lead testing is the only way to know if your child has been exposed. Tennessee tracks these results to identify communities with higher exposure rates and direct prevention efforts where they're needed most.
Tennessee's blood lead surveillance program
Tennessee's Department of Health and Human Services, Section for Environmental Epidemiology and Occupational Health, oversees the state's pediatric blood lead surveillance program. The program collects data from clinical labs and healthcare providers across the state to monitor how many children have elevated blood lead levels.
Medicaid coverage: Tennessee Medicaid covers blood lead screening for eligible children. The CDC recommends all children be tested at ages 1–2 years, with follow-up testing at age 3–4 if the first test was not done. Some healthcare providers also screen older children or siblings if lead exposure is suspected.
County-level elevated percentages
The CDC tracks the percentage of children tested in each Tennessee county who have blood lead levels at or above 3.5 micrograms per deciliter (µg/dL) — the CDC's reference value. This threshold helps identify children who may need follow-up testing, home evaluation, or health monitoring.
These percentages vary by county. Areas with older housing, industrial activity, or known water system issues may show higher rates. However, testing rates also vary — some counties test more children than others, which can affect the numbers reported.
How to access your county's data
Contact the Tennessee Department of Health and Human Services directly:
- Section for Environmental Epidemiology and Occupational Health
- Ask for childhood blood lead surveillance data for your county or ZIP code.
You can also request individual test results through your child's healthcare provider or pediatrician.
What elevated blood lead means
If your child's blood lead level is at or above 3.5 µg/dL, your pediatrician will discuss next steps, which may include:
- Retesting to confirm the result
- A home evaluation to identify lead sources (paint, dust, water, soil)
- Nutritional guidance (adequate calcium and iron can help reduce lead absorption)
For health concerns about lead exposure, speak with your pediatrician or contact the CDC's lead hotline.
Next steps for residents
- Ask your pediatrician if your child has been tested for lead, and request results if available.
- Contact the Tennessee Department of Health and Human Services to learn about testing availability and county-level surveillance data.
- Request a water test from your local water utility if you suspect lead in drinking water; many offer free or low-cost testing.
- Visit the CDC's lead resources for information on home sources of lead and how to reduce exposure.
```json [ { "q": "At what age should my child be tested for lead in Tennessee?", "a": "The CDC recommends blood lead testing at ages 1–2 years, with follow-up at age 3–4 if the first test wasn't done. Ask your pediatrician whether testing is appropriate for your child based on age and exposure risk." }, { "q": "Does Tennessee Medicaid cover lead testing?", "a": "Yes, Tennessee Medicaid covers blood lead screening for eligible children. Contact your healthcare provider or Medicaid to confirm coverage and find testing locations." }, { "q": "What does a blood lead level of 3.5 µg/dL mean?", "a": "The CDC uses 3.5 µg/dL as a reference value to identify children who may need follow-up testing and evaluation. Even at this level, there are no safe thresholds for lead exposure, so your pediatrician may recommend next steps like home evaluation or retesting." }, { "q": "How do I find out if lead is in my drinking water in Tennessee?",