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6/23/22, 10:26 AM CDC updates blood lead reference value | Lead | CDC <br />https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/news/cdc-updates-blood-lead-reference-value.html#:~:text=CDC updates blood lead reference value to 3.5 µg%2FdL&text=CDC uses a blood lead,higher than most children's levels.5/6 <br />The primary dierence between a blood lead reference value of 3.5 µg/dL and 5 µg/dL is that children with blood <br />lead levels within the 3.5–5 µg/dL range will also be prioritized for lead exposure reduction actions. Even low levels of <br />lead in blood have been shown to aect a child’s intelligence, ability to pay attention, and academic achievement. <br />Who will pay for the testing and interventions needed? (Follow up tests for children with lower <br />levels)The blood lead reference value is based on a percentile of the population distribution of blood lead levels (BLLs). <br />Because population growth has been relatively stable, the number of children with BLLs equal to or higher than 3.5 <br />µg/dL today should be similar to the number of children with BLLs equal to or higher than 5 µg/dL in 2012. <br />Therefore, overall national costs should not change much. Children can be given a blood test to measure the level of <br />lead in their blood. These tests are covered by Medicaid and most private health insurance. Costs associated with <br />additional recommended actions will vary based on individual factors (e.g., health insurance status, recommended <br />intervention, programs available in the jurisdiction). If the child’s BLL is 3.5 µg/dL or higher, CDC recommends that <br />the child be referred for a follow-up venous blood test to assess the next steps. More information on follow-up can <br />be found at Recommended Actions Based on Blood Lead Level. <br />What children should be tested? Or retested?CDC recommends targeted screening eorts to focus on children having sociodemographic risk factors and those <br />living in housing built before 1978. Public health and clinical professionals should collaborate to develop screening <br />plans responsive to local conditions using local data. Lacking such plans, universal blood lead testing is appropriate. <br />Additionally, CDC recommends that jurisdictions follow the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services requirement <br />that all Medicaid-enrolled children be tested at ages 12 months and 24 months, or at ages 24–72 months if not <br />previously been screened. <br />How does the blood lead reference value t in with CDC’s lead poisoning prevention eorts?CDC’s lead poisoning prevention eorts and the updated blood lead reference value (BLRV) align well with the <br />Federal Lead Action Plan’s and CDC’s goals to reduce children’s exposure to lead. Updating the BLRV is a step <br />in achieving health equity and environmental justice. The risk for lead exposure is not the same for all children. <br />There are signicant disparities in health outcomes across racial and ethnic groups and people with dierent <br />socioeconomic status. Higher blood lead levels are more prevalent among children from racial and ethnic minority <br />groups, children from low-income households, and children who live in housing built before 1978. Also, children <br />from racial and ethnic minority groups are more likely to live in conditions where there is greater likelihood of <br />exposure. Some of these conditions include poor housing and environmental exposures, such as lead in air, soil, and <br />water. <br /> <br />Additional Resources <br />MMWR Policy Note: Update of the Blood Lead Reference Value — United States, 2021. <br />Press Release: CDC Updates Blood Lead Reference Value for Children <br />Recommended Actions Based on Conrmed Blood Lead Level