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Childhood blood lead surveillance data in Texas

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

Last verified from EPA SDWIS: 2026-04-14
Water systems
7,139
Known lead
0
Unknown
0
BIL funding
$0M

Childhood Blood Lead Surveillance Data — Texas

Understanding Texas's lead screening program

Texas tracks blood lead levels in children through the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), Environmental Public Health Division. This surveillance helps identify children with elevated lead exposure early, when intervention matters most.

Texas requires healthcare providers to screen children for lead exposure, particularly those covered by Medicaid. The state compiles this data at the county level and reports findings to the CDC's Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program.

What the data shows

The CDC publishes county-level percentages of children with confirmed elevated blood lead levels (5 µg/dL or higher, the current reference value). Texas, with a population of 33.2 million served by 7,139 water systems, tracks these numbers to identify hot spots and guide prevention efforts.

Elevated blood lead in children can come from multiple sources: old paint, dust, soil, certain imported goods, and in some cases, drinking water from homes with lead service lines or old plumbing. No single source explains all cases—but water testing is part of a complete picture.

How to access Texas's lead surveillance data

Contact the DSHS Environmental Public Health Division:

  • Request childhood blood lead surveillance reports for your county
  • Ask for recent screening rates and elevated level percentages
  • Request information about local prevention initiatives

The CDC also publishes state and county data through its Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program website, which you can search by location.

Why this matters

If your child has been screened and you're told their blood lead level is elevated, that's important information—but it's not a diagnosis of disease. Work with your pediatrician or local health department to:

  • Identify sources of lead in your child's environment
  • Plan remediation steps (like water system checks, home inspection)
  • Schedule follow-up testing

Your water utility can tell you whether your home has a lead service line, which is one controllable risk factor.

Next steps for residents

  • Contact your pediatrician or local health department to learn your child's blood lead screening status and results
  • Request your water utility's lead service line inventory to learn if your home connection may be at risk
  • Check the CDC's county-level data for elevated blood lead trends in your area
  • Report any concerns to your local health department or DSHS

Related topics in Texas

Common questions

What is a normal blood lead level for children in Texas?

The CDC's current reference value is 3.5 µg/dL; children above this level are considered to have elevated blood lead. Texas healthcare providers screen children and report data to the state health department, which tracks county-level trends.

Can Texas tap water cause elevated blood lead in my child?

Drinking water from homes with lead service lines or old lead-containing plumbing can contribute to lead exposure, but it's rarely the only source. Lead paint, dust, and soil are often larger contributors. Your water utility can tell you if your home has a lead service line.

How do I find out if my child has been tested for lead in Texas?

Ask your pediatrician or family health clinic—they have your screening records. If your child is on Medicaid, the state tracks screening data. Contact your local health department if you have questions about local screening rates.

Where can I see blood lead data for my Texas county?

The CDC publishes county-level elevated blood lead percentages on its Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program website. You can also contact the Texas DSHS Environmental Public Health Division to request local surveillance reports.