Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – The Illinois Department of Public Health says it’s adding 180 zip codes statewide to those where lead exposure testing is now required — including a number locally.

The new zip codes are in 47 Illinois counties, including in Sangamon, Clinton, Macon, and Menard Counties here (a full list of added counties is indicated below).

According to a news release, lead testing would be required for children living in those areas are most likely exposed to lead through various means.  If blood tests positive, it could lead to brain and nervous system damage, along with developmental, behavioral, and learning difficulties, among other problems.

It’s part of a plan to include all zip codes in Illinois by next year.  Currently, 1,350 zip codes are now required to do lead exposure testing.

“There is no safe level of lead in the blood,” said Dr. Sameer Bohra, IDPH Director, in a news release.  “Early detection and intervention are critical tools to help protect Illinois’s kids from the serious health and developmental challenges caused from lead exposure.”

High risk zip codes to be included in testing are determined through an algorithm taking into account a number of risk factors.

CLICK HERE to learn more about the state’s lead poisoning prevention efforts.

CLICK HERE to see the full list of areas where pediatric lead poisoning is being tested for.