LANSING, Mich. – New laws in Michigan mandate blood lead testing for children at 12 and 24 months, recorded on immunization records, to address lead poisoning.
The testing aims to prevent and address lead poisoning in children as soon as possible.
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In October 2023, Michigan enacted two laws mandating blood lead testing for all children at 12 and 24 months old, known as “universal testing.” Public Act 146 of 2023 requires the testing, while Public Act 145 of 2023 mandates recording the test results on the child’s immunization record.
If there is no record of these tests, children must receive a blood lead test between 24 months and 72 months of age.
Blood lead testing is covered under the Affordable Care Act without additional charges.
Lead exposure poses significant health risks to children and fetuses, particularly affecting their learning, behavior, speech, hearing, growth rates and the development of their nervous systems.
Children with elevated blood lead levels may qualify for nursing case management services, where trained staff visit homes to advise on reducing lead exposure. Additionally, these children might be eligible for the Lead Safe Home Program, which assists families in identifying and mitigating lead hazards, based on Medicaid status, income, and home location, contingent upon completing an application.
Lead exposure in children can occur through several sources, such as old paint, dust, soil, outdated plumbing, certain occupations or hobbies, and some imported goods. When a child’s blood lead level reaches or exceeds 3.5 micrograms per deciliter, it is crucial to identify and eliminate the source of lead exposure and determine any necessary further testing.
You can learn more about lead hazards on Michigan’s official website.