SPRINGFIELD — The Illinois Department of Public Health has added 180 ZIP codes to its list of areas where lead testing is required for young children. The updated list now covers over 1,350 ZIP codes across 47 counties. Children living in these high-risk areas must be tested for lead exposure at 12 and 24 months of age, as required by state law.
The new expansion is part of a statewide effort to identify and reduce lead poisoning in children. The state plans to include all remaining ZIP codes by July 2026. Lead poisoning can cause serious health issues, including developmental delays and learning problems. Public health officials say early testing helps reduce long-term harm.
Under current rules, any blood test showing more than 3.5 micrograms per deciliter of lead triggers a public health response. This includes a home inspection and follow-up visits by public health nurses. The updated ZIP code list took effect on July 1, 2025.
Communities in High-Risk ZIP Codes
Ogle County
Baileyville
Byron
Chana
Creston
Davis Junction
Forreston
Holcomb
Leaf River
Lindenwood
Monroe Center
Mount Morris
Oregon
Polo
Rochelle
Stillman Valley
Woosung
DeKalb County
Clare
Cortland
DeKalb
Esmond
Genoa
Hinckley
Kingston
Kirkland
Malta
Sandwich
Shabbona
Somonauk
Sycamore
Waterman
Lee County
Amboy
Compton
Eldena
Lee
Lee Center
Paw Paw
Sublette
West Brooklyn
Full details and resources at https://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/environmental-health-protection/lead-poisoning-prevention/childhood-surveillance.html