New Michigan Law Requires Lead Testing for Children: What You Need to Know

To protect children from the dangers of lead exposure, Michigan’s new law requires all children to be tested for lead at 12 months and 24 months of age. These universal lead testing rules are designed to identify lead poisoning early, helping prevent long-term health problems.

What You Need to Know About the New Lead Testing Rules:

• Lead testing is now required at 12 months and 24 months of age.
• If there’s no record of these tests, children between 24 months and 6 years old must be tested, especially if there’s a risk of lead exposure.

Where Lead Exposure Comes From:

Lead can be found in:

• Paint in homes built before 1978
• Dust, soil, and water from old plumbing
• Some imported goods

Exposure to lead can harm a child’s learning, behavior, speech, hearing, and development. There is no safe level of lead in the body.

How Parents Can Protect Their Children:

• Talk to your child’s doctor about blood lead testing.
• Learn about possible lead risks in your home.
• If your child tests positive for elevated lead levels, ask for help.

How VBCDHD Supports Families:

At the Van Buren/Cass District Health Department (VBCDHD), we offer Lead Nurse Case Management for children with an elevated blood lead level of 3.5 micrograms per deciliter or higher. Our lead case managers provide home visits to help families reduce lead exposure and understand next steps.

Eligible families may also receive assistance through the Michigan Lead Safe Home Program, which helps identify and fix lead hazards in the home.

Lead Testing is Covered:

Blood lead testing is covered by insurance and provided at no extra cost under the Affordable Care Act.

What You Can Do:

• Ask your healthcare provider about blood lead testing for your child.
• Check for lead hazards in your home, such as lead-based paint or contaminated soil.
• Contact VBCDHD for support if your child has an elevated blood lead level.

For more information, visit our Lead Poisoning Prevention page.

To learn more about Michigan’s statewide efforts to prevent lead poisoning, visit Michigan.gov/MiLeadSafe.

Source: Michigan Department of Health and Human Services – Press Release (May 5, 2025).