By Ross Testaiuti, Law Clerk
The standard unit of measurement for lead in blood is µg/dL or mcg/dL, both representing micrograms per deciliter. Ideally, everyone’s blood lead level should be 0 µg/dL. However, if a child’s blood lead level is 3.5 µg/dL or higher, the CDC recommends a follow-up blood test to assess the next steps. You can find more information on recommended actions based on blood lead levels at Recommended Actions Based on Blood Lead Level.
Here are the health.ny.gov recommendations based on the µg/dL level found in your blood:
3.5-14 µg/dL
- Take action; this is a high lead level for a child. Any result of 3.5 µg/dL or higher requires action. (health.ny.gov uses 5 µg/dL, but we recommend getting your child checked at a level of 3.5 µg/dL)
- Discuss with your doctor or nurse about your child’s diet, growth and development, and possible sources of lead.
- Contact your local health department, they will talk with you about how to protect your child and will visit your home to help you find sources of lead.
- Retest your child in 1 to 3 months.
15-44 µg/dL
- Your child’s lead level is quite high. You and your doctor should act quickly.
- Discuss with your doctor or nurse about your child’s diet, growth and development, and possible sources of lead.
- Contact your local health department, they will talk with you about how to protect your child and will visit your home to help you find sources of lead.
- Retest your child within one month or sooner, depending on their blood lead level and your doctor’s advice.
45 µg/dL or higher
- Your child needs medical treatment right away.
- Your doctor or local health department will contact you as soon as they receive the test results.
- Hospitalization may be necessary, particularly if your home is contaminated with lead.
- Your local health department will assess your home for lead sources.
- Your child should not return home until the lead sources are removed or remediated.
- Post-treatment, your child will need to undergo follow-up testing.
If you or a loved one, suspect lead paint poisoning, please contact us for a free initial consultation on your case.