High-risk lead exposure ZIP codes added to 11 Central IL counties: IDPH

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — The Illinois Department of Public Health has added nearly 150 ZIP codes to its list of high-risk lead exposure areas for children.

An algorithm looks at different risk factors to determine high-risk ZIP codes. 60 Illinois counties are represented within the new additions. The amount of high-risk ZIP codes in Illinois now sits at almost 1,200.

By 2026, the IDPH hopes to implement universal testing for lead exposure across all of Illinois.

“There is no safe level of lead in the blood,” IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra said. “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.”

One and two-year-old children who reside in high-risk ZIP codes are automatically tested for lead exposure. Children at or below six years old are required to be assessed through a questionnaire by their pediatrician. This is also true for children in other risk categories.

If blood tests come back with lead levels above of five micrograms per deciliter, a public health intervention is required. Here is what happens next:

• A home inspection will be conducted to find the source of the lead contamination.
• If found, the lead source will be removed.
• A public health nurse will visit and inform the family on ways to protect children from lead’s harmful effects.

IDPH added the following high-risk ZIP codes in Central Illinois:

Champaign County

• Urbana
  • 61801
  • 61802
• Champaign
  • 61820
• Fisher
  • 61843
• Ogden
  • 61859
• Royal
  • 61871
• Seymour
  • 61875
• Sidney
  • 61877
• Thomasboro
  • 61878

Coles County

• Lerna
  • 62440

Cumberland County

• Jewett
  • 62436

Douglas County

• Arcola
  • 61910
• Arthur
  • 61911
• Camargo
  • 61919
• Tuscola
  • 61953

Effingham County

• Altamont
  • 62411
• Watson
  • 62473

Macon County

• Oreana
  • 62554

Morgan County

• Murrayville
  • 62668

Piatt County

• Mansfield
  • 61854

Sangamon County

• Pawnee
  • 62558
• Riverton
  • 62561
• Williamsville
  • 62693

Shelby County

• Stewardson
  • 62463
• Strasburg
  • 62465
• Tower Hill
  • 62571

Vermilion County

• Catlin
  • 61817
• Danville
  • 61834
• Oakwood
  • 61858

For a full list of affected Illinois ZIP codes by county, view the image provided by the IDPH below. Newly-impacted ZIP codes are highlighted.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com.