LeadPipeLookup

Virginia › Topic

Childhood blood lead surveillance data in Virginia

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

Last verified from EPA SDWIS: 2026-04-14
Water systems
2,766
Known lead
0
Unknown
0
BIL funding
$0M

Childhood Blood Lead Surveillance Data — Virginia

What Virginia tracks

Virginia's Department of Health monitors blood lead levels in children through its Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program. This program collects data from blood tests performed on children across the state—primarily through Medicaid-covered screening and voluntary testing at healthcare providers.

The CDC tracks the percentage of tested children with elevated blood lead levels (5 micrograms per deciliter or higher) at the county level. Virginia's results vary significantly by county, reflecting differences in housing age, testing rates, and local lead exposure sources. Not every child in Virginia is tested, so these numbers represent children who were screened, not the entire child population.

Why this matters for your home

If you have children under 6 in Virginia, blood lead screening is recommended—especially if your home was built before 1978, when lead paint was still legal. Lead exposure can come from multiple sources: old paint, soil, dust, and potentially drinking water. A child's blood lead level tells you whether they've been exposed to any source of lead in their environment, not just water.

Medicaid covers blood lead screening at no cost for enrolled children. If you have private insurance or no insurance, talk to your pediatrician about testing options.

How to get Virginia's data

Contact the Virginia Department of Health's Office of Environmental Health for detailed surveillance reports and county-level data. You can also ask your local health department for results specific to your county or neighborhood.

The CDC's tracking system, available online, shows state and county-level percentages of elevated blood lead in screened children. This data is updated regularly and can help you understand whether elevated lead exposure is a known issue in your area.

Next steps for residents

  • Schedule a blood lead test: Ask your pediatrician or local health department to screen your child, especially if your home predates 1978.
  • Request local data: Contact your county or city health department for blood lead surveillance results specific to your area.
  • Check your water: Contact your water utility for their lead service line inventory and latest water quality testing results.
  • Learn about home lead hazards: The CDC and EPA websites explain lead paint, soil, and dust risks and how to reduce them safely.

---

Related topics in Virginia

Common questions

Is my child's blood lead test covered by insurance in Virginia?

Yes, Medicaid covers blood lead screening at no cost for enrolled children. Private insurance coverage varies; check your plan or ask your pediatrician. If you're uninsured, contact your local health department for low-cost or free testing options.

What blood lead level is considered safe for children?

The CDC's current reference value is 3.5 micrograms per deciliter, though any detectable lead in a child's blood warrants attention. Older children and infants can be affected differently; talk to your pediatrician about what your child's specific result means.

Can lead in water cause elevated blood lead in children?

Yes, lead service lines and lead solder in plumbing can contaminate drinking water. However, most childhood lead exposure comes from sources like old paint, soil, and dust. A blood test doesn't tell you the source—but if your child is elevated, your water should be tested as part of the investigation.

Where can I find Virginia's county-level childhood lead data?

Contact the Virginia Department of Health's Office of Environmental Health or check the CDC's environmental health surveillance system online. Your local health department can also provide county-specific results and explain what they mean for your community.