From the Illinois Department of Public Health:
IDPH Adds More ZIP Codes to Lead Testing List
State moves closer to implementing universal childhood lead testing in 2026
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has announced an expansion of its list of ZIP codes where lead exposure testing is required for children who live within those areas.
180 new zip codes, representing parts of 47 Illinois counties, have been added to the list this year, bringing the total of high-risk ZIP codes to more than 1,350.
By this time next year, all remaining ZIP codes in the state will be included, implementing universal childhood lead testing statewide.
“IDPH is committed to building brighter futures for our children and families,” said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra.
“This latest expansion of lead testing list brings us closer to achieving the ambitious goal of universal statewide testing. There is no safe level of lead in the blood. Early detection and intervention are critical tools to help protect Illinois’s kids from the serious health and developmental challenges caused from lead exposure.”
Lead exposure can lead to damage to the brain and nervous system, slowed growth and developmental, behavioral and learning difficulties, and more. More information on lead exposure can be found at Lead Poisoning Prevention.
Under Illinois law, any child residing in a high-risk ZIP code is to be tested automatically at 12 and 24 months.
All children six years of age and younger are required to be assessed for lead exposure through the use of a questionnaire administered by a health care provider. Children who fall into other risk categories spelled out in the questionnaire are also tested.
High-risk ZIP codes are determined through an algorithm that considers several different risk factors. The department has been expanding that list of ZIP codes gradually. The new expanded list, which takes effect on July 1, 2025, can be found at: Pediatric Lead Poisoning High-Risk ZIP Code Areas (illinois.gov).
Under current Illinois law, blood tests that come back with lead levels in excess of 3.5 micrograms per deciliter (µg/dL) require a public health intervention.
This includes a home inspection to determine the source of the lead contamination.
If lead is found, the inspector works with the homeowner to remove the sources of lead.
In addition, a public health nurse will visit and educate the family on ways to protect children from the harmful effects of lead.
McHenry County zip codes on the list follow:
60013 Cary McHenry
60014 Crystal La McHenry
60021 Fox River McHenry
60050 McHenry McHenry
60051 McHenry McHenry
60071 Richmond McHenry
60072 Ringwood McHenry
60081 Spring Gro McHenry
60097 Wonder Lak McHenry
60098 Woodstock McHenry
60152 Marengo McHenry
60156 Lake In Th McHenry
= = = = =
That’s pretty much the whole county.
