Lake County Gazette

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has announced an expanded list of high-risk ZIP codes, increasing mandatory testing for lead exposure in children residing within those areas. This year, 148 new ZIP codes, representing parts of 60 Illinois counties, have been added to the list, bringing the total number of high-risk ZIP codes to nearly 1,200.

“There is no safe level of lead in the blood,” said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. “To better serve our children and build brighter futures for all of our residents, IDPH is acting to ensure that more children have access to the testing and interventions necessary to decrease the potential serious physical and developmental health concerns linked to lead exposure.”

Under Illinois law, any child residing in a high-risk ZIP code must be tested automatically at 12 and 24 months. All children six years of age and younger are required to be assessed for lead exposure through a questionnaire administered by a pediatrician. Additionally, children who fall into other risk categories outlined in the questionnaire are also tested.

High-risk ZIP codes are determined through an algorithm that assesses various risk factors. The department has been gradually expanding this list and expects to implement universal testing for lead exposure across all Illinois ZIP codes by 2026. The new expanded list took effect on July 1, 2024.

Under current Illinois law, blood tests indicating lead levels exceeding five micrograms per deciliter (µg/dL) necessitate a public health intervention. This includes a home inspection to identify the source of lead contamination. If lead is found, inspectors will work with homeowners to remove the sources of contamination. A public health nurse will also visit the family to educate them on protecting children from harmful effects of lead.

ZIP codes in Lake and McHenry Counties include:

Lake:

60020

60035

60040

60041

60064

60085

60087

60088

60099

McHenry:

60033

60034

60180