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Testing for Blood Lead Poisoning

Why should children be tested for lead poisoning?​

Lead poisoning affects many children younger than 6 y​ears old in Maryland. Lead can harm a child’s brain, causing lifelong learning and behavior problems.          

Lead poisoning has decreased over the years, but there is no safe level of lead.  The only way to know if a child has been exposed is a blood test. 


When is testing for lead poisoning required?

In March 2016, Maryland implemented the Lead-Free Maryland Kids campaign and the updated clinical requirements for blood lead testing of children.  The entire state of Maryland is now considered 'at risk' for lead exposure, for children born on or after 1/1/15.  As a result, all children born on or after 1/1/15 must be tested for lead at ages 12 and 24 months.  Children born before 1/1/15 should continue to be managed according to the 2004 Lead Targeting Plan (which defines specific areas of the State as 'at risk').​

The requirements for the Lead Poisoning Screening Program are found in the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR) 10.11.04.

The requirements for reporting a blood lead level test to the Maryland Department of the Environment are found in COMAR 26.02.01. 


Are there excep​tions to this​ requirement?

​COMAR 10.11.04.04(H) prov​​ides exceptions for testing due to a parent or guardian's bona fide religious beliefs. 


Information for clinicians

Effective January 2022, the legal definition of an​ elevated blood lead in Maryland is the same as the clinical definition (3.5 mcg/dL).  The Maryland Department of the Environment has additional information​ for health care providers​.



Home Visiting and Lead Abatement Programs for Families

Maryland has two programs for families with a child exposed to lead:

The Healthy Homes for Healthy Kids Program removes lead hazards from the home at no cost.

The Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention and Environmental Case Management Program provides in-home  services to reduce exposures to lead and to asthma triggers.

Learn more about these programs, including eligibility criteria and availability in your jurisdiction.


Learn m​ore

Visit the Lead Poisoning Prevention website​ for additional information and resources for clinicians and parents.






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