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Lead Exposure
Blood Lead Levels (BLLs) have been a reportable condition in Colorado since 1997. Under the state’s reporting law, all laboratories performing blood lead tests are required to report the results of those tests directly to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.
The state health department has developed an electronic lead reporting system to collect and monitor records from blood lead tests performed on Colorado children since 2007. Currently, when an elevated test result (10 ug/dL or greater) is reported to the department, these children and their families are referred to local county health departments for follow-up and investigation. The program collaborates with medical staff at the Rocky Mountain Poison Center and provides consultation to local health departments, physicians and parents on a case-by-case basis.
Go to the website below to find out more about changes coming soon to CDC's intervention level for children.
www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/ACCLPP/activities.htm
All blood lead surveillance data is considered confidential information and subject to protections and data use guidelines outlined by the State Board of Health.
Lead poisoning is the most significant and prevalent disease of environmental origin among children living in the United States. Despite considerable knowledge and increased screening and intervention efforts, lead exposures remain prevalent.
Visit Colorado Environmental Public Health Tracking to find out more about the health effects of lead exposure.
Individuals who are exposed to lead do not exhibit any obvious signs that they have lead poisoning. Signs or symptoms could be mistaken for other illnesses and go undiagnosed.
To learn more, visit Colorado Environmental Public Health Tracking |
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Colorado’s Lead Screening Regulations and Recommendations
Currently all lead test results are reportable in Colorado for individuals 18 years of age and younger. In addition, laboratories must report all cases of adult elevated BLLs greater than or equal to 10 ug/dL for persons over the age of 18. These regulations require that all laboratories report blood lead tests within 30 days of the test, and report all elevated tests for indivduals 18 years of age and younger within 7 days.
In addition, section 25-5-1104 (1)(a), C.R.S. requires the Board of Health to develop standards concerning the method and frequency of screening of young children for elevated blood lead levels in Colorado and to consult with recognized medical, public health, and environmental professionals and appropriate professional organizations to develop such standards. Current state recommendations for screening and case management are provided below.
Current state guidelines for lead screening and follow-up:
For information on common sources of lead exposure, go to Colorado Environmental Public Health Tracking. |
Information and resources on lead poisoning prevention and treatment in Colorado Resources for the physician treating a lead poisoned child
Fact sheets
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Data on elevated Blood Lead Levels (BLL) for adults and children of working age (age 16 years and older) is collected and analyzed by the Occupational Health and Safety Surveillance Program.
To learn more, please visit Worker Health and Safety: Colorado Data and Reports.
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Environmental Epidemiology and Toxicology: 303-692-2700 |
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State of Colorado 