The Illinois Department of Public Health has announced an expanded list of high-risk ZIP codes, increasing mandatory testing for lead exposure of children who live within those areas.
148 new zip codes, representing parts of 60 Illinois counties, have been added to the list this year, bringing the total of high-risk ZIP codes to almost 1,200.
The newly-added ZIP codes include 18 counties in the southern half of Illinois, such as Jackson, Franklin, Jefferson, Saline and Union. For a complete list of the zip codes in each county, click here.
Under Illinois law, any child residing in a high-risk ZIP code is to be tested automatically at 12, 24, and 36 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 pediatrician. In addition, children who fall into other risk categories spelled out in the questionnaire are also tested.
