Many metro east babies and toddlers will be tested for lead after the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) expanded the list of high-risk zip codes by nearly 150.

“There is no safe level of lead in the blood,” IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra said. Lead exposure has been linked to serious physical and developmental health concerns.

Children are tested at 12, 24, and 36 months. Additionally, children six years old and younger are required to be assessed for lead exposure through a questionnaire given by a pediatrician. The Department of Public Health expects the rest of the state to be regularly tested by 2026. For a list of the counties added, click here.