Lead Testing Services

Chicago, Illinois, August 28, 2024

Last month, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) announced an expanded list of high-risk ZIP codes, increasing mandatory testing for lead exposure of children who live within those areas. 148 new zip codes, representing parts of 60 Illinois counties, were added to the list bringing the total of high-risk ZIP codes in the state to almost 1,200.

According to IDPH:

Under Illinois law, any child residing in a high-risk ZIP code is to be tested automatically at 12 and 24 months. All children six years of age and younger are required to be assessed for lead exposure through the use of a questionnaire administered by a pediatrician.?In addition, children who fall into other risk categories spelled out in the questionnaire are also tested.

“Lead poisoning is considered to be an entirely preventable environmental disease, but even with this knowledge, there are many children that continue to be exposed to this toxic heavy metal in Illinois and across the nation,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Lead-based paints and dusts contaminated with lead are some of the most common sources of lead exposure for children. Exposure can also come from contaminated water and soil. This means there are still countless homes, apartments, and other properties that contain lead-based paints and other exposure risks. Fortunately, testing for lead can quickly identify exposure risks in any type of property so the hazard can be removed or mitigated.”

EMSL Analytical, with laboratories in Illinois, Missouri, and across North America, provides comprehensive environmental, material, and industrial hygiene testing for lead and many other regulated substances. They also offer sampling supplies, easy-to-use test kits, and personal protective equipment (PPE). Several years ago, EMSL even sponsored an educational video about protecting children from lead poisoning that can still be seen at: https://youtu.be/LkEqFhNDS-U

To learn more about lead or other environmental, indoor air quality (IAQ), health, and safety testing services, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800)220-3675, or email info@EMSL.com. For access to environmental test kits, visit www.EMSLTestKits.com.

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP <797>, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOCs, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.