Description of Indicator
This indicator shows the percentage of the population tested for lead from 0 to 71 months, which is mandated for children covered by Medicaid. Additionally, the information indicates the number of children in the same age group with elevated blood lead levels (BLL) and the percentage of those children tested with elevated BLL. All years before 2022 indicated that blood lead levels are shown for children with higher than five micrograms of lead for every deciliter of blood. Data reporting practice changed in 2022, when the blood lead levels were shown for children with higher than 3.5 micrograms of lead for every deciliter of blood. As a result of the adjustment, comparisons with older data should be made cautiously.
Why is it important?
Reporting blood level surveillance is important among children because performing blood tests is the best choice for discovering lead exposure. Lead entering the body from different environments affects the child’s growth and development. It is difficult to visually notice symptoms of lead exposure, and being left untreated can lead to attention, learning, behavior, hearing, or speech issues.
How is the region performing?
In 2022, the percentage of children 0 to 71 months tested for lead was relatively low in Lackawanna County (14.7 percent). Yet, the geography had the largest share with elevated BLL (11.8 percent). Both Luzerne and Wayne Counties had the largest proportions of the populations from 0 to 71 months tested for lead compared to the other geographies analyzed (20.7 percent and 21.7 percent, respectively). Wayne County had the smallest share with elevated BLL (four percent). It is important to note that, in each of the counties, the percentage of children tested is low compared to the overall population of children aged 0 to 71 months, an issue of concern in areas with aging homes and outdated water infrastructure.