Childhood lead exposure is a serious but preventable environmental public health issue. Lead is a toxin that can have long-term impacts on physical health and brain development. Children are particularly vulnerable. Even at lower levels, studies have shown that lead can cause attention and behavior challenges and lower academic achievement (Zhang et al., 2013; Shadbegian et al., 2020). Because there may not be symptoms at lower levels, a blood lead test is the only way to know if a child has been exposed.
Check our Lead page for more information about lead sources and tips to prevent exposure.
Why is lead exposure data important?
Lead-based paint and lead-contaminated dust are responsible for much of the lead exposure in children in the U.S. (Lanphear et al., 2016). Knowing how children are exposed to lead can help prevent future health concerns related to lead.
2023 Testing in Washington at a glance
What’s Here
The two childhood lead buttons link to data on blood lead testing rates and on testing results that meet or exceed 5.0 µg/dL among Washington children under 6 years old.
The housing data shows modeled (expected) risk of lead exposure based on the age of homes across the state and the likelihood that they have lead-based paint.
The lead exposure risk map is an interactive map showing the combined risk from poverty and the age of housing at the community level. Children in low-income families and that live in older housing are at the greatest risk for lead exposure.
View the Data
Childhood Blood Lead Test Results ≥ 5µg/dL
Childhood Blood Lead Testing Rates
You can also explore our testing data of lead in school drinking water sources.
Reduce Exposure
To learn more about lead, your health, and reducing your risk for exposure, visit our Lead Prevention webpage.
Additional Resources
Data Notes for Lead Exposure Risk
Data Notes for Childhood Blood Lead Level Testing
Data Notes for the Leaded Aviation Fuel Exposure Overlay
Adult Blood Lead Epidemiology and Surveillance
Childhood Lead Poisoning - CDC
Department of Ecology Cleanup Site Search
Lead Product Recalls - Hazard dropdown type lead
References
Lanphear, B. P., Lowry, J. A., Ahdoot, S., Baum, C. R., Bernstein, A. S., Bole, A., ... & Trasande, L. (2016). Prevention of childhood lead toxicity. Pediatrics, 138(1).
Shadbegian, R., Guignet, D., Klemick, H., & Bui, L. (2019). Early childhood lead exposure and the persistence of educational consequences into adolescence. Environmental research, 178, 108643.
Zhang, N., Baker, H. W., Tufts, M., Raymond, R. E., Salihu, H., & Elliott, M. R. (2013). Early childhood lead exposure and academic achievement: evidence from Detroit public schools, 2008–2010. American journal of public health, 103(3), e72-e77.
Contact Us
For information or questions related to the Washington Tracking Network, email DOH.WTN@doh.wa.gov.
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