Tracking Childhood Lead Poisoning

The Tracking Network uses data from state and local childhood lead poisoning prevention programs to track childhood blood lead levels. When a child is tested for lead poisoning, state and local childhood lead poisoning prevention programs collect information about the child, including the child's test results and any potential sources of lead in the child's environment. These programs share some of this information with CDC to compile in a national database. CDC's Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program provides technical and financial assistance to state and local programs and provides national guidance for the prevention and treatment of childhood lead poisoning.

By tracking children with lead poisoning and sources of lead, we can:

• identify children at risk in order to target testing and resources;
• make case management services available to each child with lead poisoning;
• monitor progress towards eliminating childhood lead poisoning;
• identify and monitor trends in lead sources that are exposing children to lead;
• remove and reduce sources of lead; and
• develop and evaluate lead poisoning interventions and programs.