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Lead Exposure - Children
Lead Exposure - Children
Lead is an invisible threat that is especially harmful to children because it can affect their growth, learning and development. Almost everyone has been exposed to lead at some point in their life. Lead can be found in all parts of our environment, including our home. Learn more about lead at Mi Lead Safe.
Elevated Blood Lead Level
An elevated blood lead level (EBLL) is when a child’s blood contains lead measured at or above the blood lead reference value (BLRV) set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The BLRV identifies children whose blood lead levels are higher than most children’s. The BLRV is not a health-based value scale, but a screening tool to identify children who need public health services and medical evaluation. There is no safe level of lead in the blood.
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MiTracking Data - Childhood Lead Exposure
In 2024, 146,922 (22.1%) Michigan children under 6 years old were tested for blood lead. Of those children tested, 5,957 (4.1%) had EBLLs of 3.5 micrograms per deciliter (µg/dL) or greater.
Childhood Lead Exposure MiTracking Indicators
- Annual blood lead levels.
- Blood lead levels by birth year.
- Age of housing.
Elevated blood lead data are available for 2010-2024 on the MiTracking Data Portal by:
- 3.5 µg/dL (new BLRV definition adopted May 1, 2022).
- 5 µg/dL (previous BLRV and includes results of 4.5-4.9).
Find Out More
- About These Data (found on the Data Portal after a query search).
- Metadata (technical information about the content, quality and context of the data) for:
The Michigan Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention (MiLead) Dashboard provides key data about lead exposure and prevention efforts across Michigan. The dashboard includes four categories of information:
- Blood Lead Testing Results.
- Community Demographics and Risk Factors.
- Lead Abatement Services.
- Nursing Case Management Services.
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Learn More
MDHHS
National
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
- Lead.
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MiTracking Resources
Tutorial
- Childhood Lead Data
Visit MiTracking Resources for more program information, fact sheets, tutorials, etc.