Environmental Epidemiology and Toxicology
Childhood Lead Screening in Colorado
Blood Lead Levels (BLLs) have been a reportable condition in Colorado since 1997. Under the state’s reporting law  , all laboratories performing blood lead tests are required to report the results of those tests directly to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE).
EET has developed an electronic lead reporting system to collect and monitor records from all blood lead tests performed on Colorado children since 2007. When an elevated test result (defined by CDC as a test result of 10 ug/dL or greater) is reported to CDPHE, these children and their families are referred to local county health departments for follow-up and investigation. EET collaborates with medical staff at the Rocky Mountain Poison Center and provides consultation to local health departments, physicians and parents on a case-by-case basis.
All blood lead surveillance data is considered confidential information and subject to protections and data use guidelines outlined in the State Board of Health “Regulations Pertaining to the Detection, Monitoring, and Investigation of Environmental and Chronic Diseases” (6 CCR 1009-7).
Why is lead screening important?
- Lead poisoning is a preventable disease. Lead poisoning is the most significant and prevalent disease of environmental origin among children living in the United States. Despite considerable knowledge and increased screening and intervention efforts, lead exposures remain prevalent.
- Lead poisoning can have long-term health effects, even into adulthood.
- Children with lead poisoning may be asymptomatic. Most children who are exposed to lead do not exhibit any obvious signs that they have lead poisoning. Any signs or symptoms the child may have could be mistaken for other illnesses and the child goes undiagnosed.
Colorado’s Lead Screening Regulations and Recommendations
Blood Lead Levels (BLLs) are a reportable condition in Colorado per Colorado Revised Statute 25-1-122. Under section 25-1-122, C. R. S., all laboratories performing blood lead tests are required to report the results of those tests directly to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE). Currently all lead test results are reportable in Colorado for individuals 18 years of age and younger. In addition, laboratories must report all cases of adult elevated BLLs greater than 25 ug/dL for persons over the age of 18. These regulations require that all laboratories report all childhood blood lead tests within 30 days of the test, and report all elevated tests within 7 days.
In addition, section 25-5-1104 (1)(a), C.R.S. requires the Board of Health to develop standards concerning the method and frequency of screening of young children for elevated blood lead levels in Colorado and to consult with recognized medical, public health, and environmental professionals and appropriate professional organizations to develop such standards. Current state recommendations for screening and case management are provided below.
Current state guidelines for lead screening and follow-up:
For information on common sources of lead exposure, see the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Web site. |
