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    Maryland Department of Health
    Environmental Health

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    Lead Poisoning Prevention

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    What is Lea​​​d Poisoning?

    Lead poisoning affects many children younger than 6 y​ears old in Maryland. Lead can harm a child’s brain, causing lifelong learning and behavior problems.          

    Lead dust in the home is caused by chipping, peeling, flaking or deteriorating lead-based paint and can be found in any home.  Lead can also be found in toys, jewelry, and other consumer products and may be brought home from some jobs. For more information on how to protect your family from lead, visit http://www2.epa.gov/lead/protect-your-family#sl-home​.

    Lead poisoning has decreased over the years, but there is no safe level of lead.  The only way to know if a child has been exposed is a blood test. 

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    What is New i​​​​n Lead Poisoning Prevention in Maryland?​

    *Effective October 1, 2019, the legal definition of an​ elevated blood lead in Maryland is the same as the clinical definition (5 mcg/dL).  The Maryland Department of the Environment has new regulations for blood lead reporting and apartment owners.* 



    New Home Visiting and Lead Abatement Programs for Families

    Maryland has two new programs for families with a child exposed to lead:

    The Healthy Homes for Healthy Kids Program removes lead hazards from the home at no cost.

    The Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention and Environmental Case Management Program provies in-home  services to reduce exposures to lead and to asthma triggers.

    Learn more about these programs, including eligibility criteria and availability in your jurisdiction.

    Program 1_Healthy Homes for Healthy Kids_3.5.21_final_Page_1.pngP2 UPDATED Healthy Homes Flyer _3.5.21_final.png


    ​Universal Testing fo​​r Childre​​​n at 12 and 24 months

    ​Sinc​​​e 2016, all parts of Maryland are considered 'at risk' for lead exposure, for children born on or after 1/1/15.  As a result, all children born on or after 1/1/15 must be tested for lead at ages 12 and 24 months.  Children born before 1/1/15 should continue to be managed according to the 2004 Lead Targeting Plan (which defines specific areas of the State as 'at risk'). Read More​​​

    Information for​​ Parents and Caregivers

    COVID-19 and lead testing -- letter to parents from MDH, MDE, Lead Poisoning Prevention Commission​

    To see if products in your home contain lead, visit http://www.cpsc.gov​​​/

    Learn more​ about lead abatement and home-visiting programs available to families with a child who was exposed to lead.

    A healthy diet is important in preventing childhood lead poisoning. Learn more​ (EPA)

    What is needed to enroll a child in child care, pre-kindergarten, kindergarten or first grade:  Maryland Blood Lead Testing Certificate (Form 4620)



    Informatio​​n for Health Care Providers

    March 2, 2021 Notice to Maryland Health Care Providders of Changes to Blood Lead Level Testing and Reporting Requirements, and New Resources for Providers and Parents

    June 7, 2012 Health Care Provider Letter Adopting a Revised Maryland Department of Health Guidelines for Clincal Assessment and Management of Childhood Blood Lead Levels

    Regulations for Childhood Lead Testing (COMAR 10.11.04)

    MDH Form 4620 Blood Lead Testing Certificate for Schools, Child Care

    2012 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Updated Lead Testing Guidance 

    ​2020 Updated Guidelines for Assessment and Management of Childhood Lead Exposure 

    2016 Guidelines for Assessment and Management of Childhood Lead Exposure

    Final Report on Blood Lead Point of Care Testing (2014)​


    For additional medical resources, contact:
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    ​Information for Child Care Providers and Schools

    MDH Form 4620 Blood Lead Testing Certificate for Schools, Child Care

    ​Testing for Lead in Drinking Water in Schools​


    ​Interactive Maps and Data

     Visit the Maryland Environmental Public Health Tracking portal for data and maps on lead poisoning. 

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    LEAD H​​AS NO BOUNDARIES

    For more information, call the Environmental Health Helpline: 1-866-703-3266



    ​​News & U​​pdates

    October 24th -30th, 2021 is National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week! Visit The Green & Healthy Homes Initiative for a calendar of events, and join the conversation using #NLPPW2021!​

    FDA expands recall of blood lead test kits from Magellan Diagnostics due to risk of possible falsely low blood lead test results​​

    Maryland has two new programs to support families with a child who was exposed to lead, including ​removing the lead from the home and providing in-home visits and support. Click here to learn more!​​