Urbana doctor explains the rise in at-risk ZIP codes for lead exposure

URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — The Illinois Department of Public Health is casting a wider net for possible at-risk children when it comes to lead throughout Central Illinois. One Urbana doctor says not to panic, but to be aware of what this means for young children in the areas at risk.

As of Monday, IDPH added 148 new zip codes from parts of 60 Illinois counties.

Kert McAfee is the lead program manager with IDPH. He said the new areas were added through an algorithm showing where lead exposure could be more prevalent, like in communities with houses built prior to 1978.

“They are living in older neighborhoods. They’re living in older homes. They’re in those areas where we have determined that they may be at a higher risk of lead exposure,” McAfee said.

The total count for certain high-risk areas in Illinois is now at 1,200 different zip codes. This includes some new ones in Champaign, Macon, and Vermilion counties, and two in Urbana, one in Oreana, and one in Danville.

McAfee said the jump can be credited to a low level of accepted lead in communities, which is a good thing.

“The health intervention was 10 micrograms per deciliter. In 2019, the state moved that intervention level from 10 down to five micrograms per deciliter for lead in blood,” McAfee said.

It’s McAfee’s expectation that the CDC will be changing their recommendation from five micrograms to 3.5, which could see more places added.

“Lead can cause significant neurotoxicity and is especially dangerous for young children,” said Dr. Andrew Zasada, a doctor at OSF in Urbana.

He explained the rise of at-risk areas.

“Up until now, we’ve kind of accepted higher lead levels in children and in adults. And numerous studies have shown that even what we consider to be acceptable may still be too high,” Zasada said. “So, there is a new level that we kind of have to follow.”

Zasada said parents and guardians should monitor children aged six and under for signs of serious exposure. Although unlikely, signs include constant nausea or headaches.

“It could be a lot of causes, but an important cause not to rule out is lead poisoning,” he said. “Talk to your pediatrician. And, again, a simple blood test will give you the answer.”

McAfee said a childhood lead risk questionnaire is found at all health care providers’ offices and should give parents peace of mind.

“If there’s an answer to any of the 10 questions on the CLRQ — if there’s a ‘yes’ or a ‘don’t know,’ then the kids should be getting a blood test from the health care provider.”

IDPH said it’s their goal to have statewide universal testing for lead exposure in children by 2026.

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