Childhood Blood Lead Levels in Wyoming

What the data shows

Wyoming's Department of Health tracks blood lead levels in children through its Lead Poisoning Prevention Program. This surveillance helps identify where children are exposed to lead—whether through water, paint, soil, or other sources—so families and providers can take action early.

The CDC publishes county-level data on the percentage of children with elevated blood lead levels (5 micrograms per deciliter or higher). Wyoming's overall pediatric blood lead burden is low compared to national averages, but pockets of elevated exposure exist in specific counties. If you're concerned about your child's exposure, ask your pediatrician about blood lead testing.

Medicaid and screening coverage

Wyoming Medicaid covers blood lead screening for eligible children. The Wyoming Department of Health recommends universal screening at ages 1 and 2, and risk-based screening for children ages 3–6 if they live in older housing, near mining or industrial sites, or in areas with known lead hazards.

If your family qualifies for Medicaid or CHIP (Wyoming's Children's Health Insurance Program), ask your child's health care provider about free or low-cost lead testing.

How to request your child's data

Your pediatrician or family clinic can order a blood lead test through any certified lab. Results are reported to your doctor and, with appropriate consent, to the Wyoming Department of Health's surveillance system. This data helps the state identify trends and target prevention efforts.

If you want to know whether elevated blood lead has been detected in children in your specific county or zip code, contact the Wyoming Department of Health, Office of Lead, Asbestos, Radon and Indoor Air Quality (LAIRAQI). They can provide county-level summaries and connect you with local resources.

Lead in drinking water vs. other sources

While this resource focuses on water system lead service line inventories, it's important to know that most childhood lead exposure in Wyoming comes from paint, soil, and dust in older homes—not drinking water. That said, lead service lines in some water systems can be a contributor. Learn about your water system's lead service line status through LeadPipeLookup or by contacting your local water utility directly.

Next steps for residents

• Ask your pediatrician about blood lead screening for children under age 7, especially if they live in homes built before 1978.
• Contact the Wyoming Department of Health (307-777-5007) for county-level surveillance data or referrals to lead assessment resources.
• Request your water utility's lead service line inventory to understand potential water-based exposure in your home.
• Visit the CDC's "Healthy Homes" page for evidence-based steps to reduce lead hazards in your living space.

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```json [ { "q": "What blood lead level is considered elevated for children in Wyoming?", "a": "The CDC defines elevated blood lead as 5 micrograms per deciliter or higher. Any result at or above this level warrants follow-up testing and a home assessment to identify sources." }, { "q": "Does Wyoming Medicaid cover my child's lead test?", "a": "Yes. Wyoming Medicaid and CHIP cover blood lead screening for eligible children. Ask your pediatrician or clinic if your family qualifies." }, { "q": "Where can I find blood lead data for my county in Wyoming?", "a": "Contact the Wyoming Department of Health's Office of Lead, Asbestos, Radon and Indoor Air Quality (LAIRAQI) at 307-777-5007. They provide county-level surveillance summaries." }, { "q": "Is lead in drinking water a major source of childhood lead exposure in Wyoming?", "a": "No. Most childhood lead exposure in Wyoming comes from lead paint, contaminated soil, and dust in older homes. Lead service lines can be a contributor but are not the primary source."