Childhood Blood Lead Surveillance Data — Utah
Utah's pediatric lead screening program
Utah tracks blood lead levels in children through its state health department laboratory and surveillance system. This data helps public health officials identify communities where children may be exposed to lead—whether from water pipes, paint, soil, or other sources.
The Utah Department of Health and Human Services maintains records of blood lead test results reported by healthcare providers and laboratories across the state. When a child's blood lead level reaches or exceeds 3.5 micrograms per deciliter (µg/dL)—the CDC's reference value—it triggers follow-up by local health departments.
Medicaid coverage and testing
Utah Medicaid covers blood lead screening for eligible children. The CDC recommends universal screening for children ages 1–2, and risk-based screening for children ages 3–6 in areas with older housing or known lead hazards. Some pediatricians and family medicine clinics screen all children; others test based on risk factors you can ask about at your child's next visit.
County-level data and access
The CDC's National Environmental Public Health Tracking Network publishes county-level data on the percentage of tested children with elevated blood lead levels. This data is updated annually and is publicly available on their website—you can search by Utah county to see how your area compares to national averages.
For more detailed blood lead surveillance data specific to Utah—including local health department reports or historical trends—contact the Utah Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Disease Control and Prevention, Lead Program Office directly. They can provide:
- Blood lead testing rates in your county
- Demographic breakdowns of children tested
- Trends over time
- Guidance on whether your child should be tested
What elevated blood lead means
No level of lead in blood is safe. Even levels below 3.5 µg/dL can affect children's brain development, learning, and behavior. If your child's test shows an elevated level, your pediatrician or local health department will help identify the source and recommend next steps—which may include home inspection, water testing, or environmental cleanup.
Next steps for residents
- Ask your pediatrician if your child should be screened for lead exposure, especially if your home was built before 1978 or you live in a community with older housing stock.
- Contact your local health department (find yours at health.utah.gov) to ask about blood lead surveillance data for your county.
- Request your child's test results from your healthcare provider if testing has been done; keep a record for your pediatrician.
- Call the CDC Lead Hotline at 1-800-CDC-INFO if you want to discuss blood lead levels or exposure sources.
```json [ { "q": "What blood lead level is considered unsafe for children in Utah?", "a": "The CDC's reference value is 3.5 µg/dL, but no level of lead exposure is completely safe for children. Even lower levels can affect brain development and learning. If your child's test shows any elevation, talk to your pediatrician." }, { "q": "Does Utah Medicaid cover lead screening for my child?", "a": "Yes, Utah Medicaid covers blood lead testing. Ask your pediatrician or family medicine clinic whether your child meets criteria for screening—the CDC recommends testing for all 1–2 year olds and risk-based testing for ages 3–6." }, { "q": "How do I find out how many children in my county have elevated blood lead?", "a": "The CDC's National Environmental Public Health Tracking Network publishes county-level percentages of children with elevated blood lead. For more detailed local data, contact the Utah Department of Health and Human Services Division of Disease Control and Prevention." }, { "q": "What should I do if my child's blood lead test comes back elevated?", "a": "Your pediatrician or local health department will