Finding lead sources after a high blood lead test

What to expect: Blood lead testing and lead investigation

• Your doctor performs a blood lead test on your child.

  The only way to know if your child is lead-poisoned is by getting them a blood lead test. For more information see blood lead testing and how to reduce your risk of lead exposure.

• Public Health is notified when a child has a high blood lead level.

  Doctors in the state report the results of all blood lead tests to the Washington Department of Health. If a child in King County has a blood lead level above the action level (5 micrograms per deciliter), the Washington Department of Health informs Public Health – Seattle & King County.

• We will reach out to inform you of your child’s blood lead level.

  If Public Health is informed by the Washington Department of Health about a child with a high blood lead level, we will follow up with you to let you know the results and share next steps.

• We will ask you a set of questions focused on housing, your child(ren), family activities, and travel.

  These questions are designed to help narrow down the list of potential sources of lead to those relating specifically to your family. After potential sources of lead have been identified, a more in-depth look at those sources can take place.

• Optional: If needed and with your consent, we may schedule a thorough walk-through in and around your home to identify sources of lead.

  Samples may be collected to further identify or confirm suspected sources of lead. Types of samples that may be collected include paint chips, household dust, soil, and/or tap water.

• Optional: Lab analysis

  Any samples that are obtained will be submitted to a laboratory for analysis.

• Once all of the information has been collected and analyzed, a plan of action will be developed.

  A plan of action will include a letter summarizing the investigation and a checklist of recommended activities or actions to reduce your child's exposure to lead. This plan of action will be mailed to you and your child's doctor.

• Public Health will support you during this process by checking in with you about your plan of action and answer any questions that you have.

  In partnership with you and your child’s doctor, we will monitor your child’s blood-lead level and continue working with you until it is below the action level.