What does this measure?

The number of children under age 6 with blood lead levels 10 micrograms per deciliter or higher as a proportion of those tested within the year (either with a finger stick or venous blood screening). Only children who did not previously have an elevated blood lead level are included in this measure.

Why is this important?

Exposure to lead, even small amounts, significantly increases a child's risk of developing long-lasting cognitive, physiological and behavioral problems.

How is our county performing?

In 2018, 2.2% of children tested in the county had elevated blood lead levels, similar to the 2017 rate and a slight increase since 2012. The county rate is higher than the statewide rate of 1.2% and the national rate of 0.6% (based on 2017 data, the latest nationally available).

The lowest elevated blood lead level rates in neighboring counties were found in Chester, Montgomery (0.5% and 0.7% respectively), Lehigh (1.1%), Schuylkill (1.3%) and Lebanon (1.6%). Lancaster was similar at 2.0%.

It is important to note that not all children are tested for lead, despite a state law requiring them to be tested. Statewide, about two-thirds of children are tested between 9 and 18 months of age.

Notes about the data

Pennsylvania does not mandate universal and complete screening of all children. Therefore, testing of children for BLL is targeted rather than random, which makes interpretation of rates of EBLLs by geographic area or demographic factors difficult. Data for this indicator are expected to be released in the first quarter, with a two-year lag.

There may be additional research available on this topic. Click on Reports and Resources to learn more.