Lead Guidance for Families

Resources for Families with a Child with an Elevated Blood Lead Level

If your child has an elevated blood lead level, there are services available to support your child’s growth and development.

North Dakota Early Intervention Services

• If your child is under 3 years old, they may be eligible for Early Intervention Services. Developmental assessments and evaluations are provided at no cost to families. If a child qualifies, a plan will be developed with parents to meet the unique needs of their child and family. Service plans may include ongoing home visits, consultations, and parent coaching.
• If your child may benefit from this program, please contact the regional human service center that serves your area and ask to talk to the Developmental Disabilities team. This information can be found at Early Intervention | Health and Human Services North Dakota.

Women, Infants, & Children (WIC) Program

• Your family may be eligible for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program through the WIC Program. There are income guidelines for eligibility that can be found at Is My Family Eligible for WIC? | Health and Human Services North Dakota.
• Applications for WIC can be completed at your local WIC clinic. You can find your local WIC clinic at How Do I Apply for WIC? | Health and Human Services North Dakota. 

What does your child's blood lead test mean?

Blood Lead Level 0 to 3.4 µg/dL

There are low amounts of lead in your child’s blood. Note: There is no safe blood lead level for children.

• Identify potential source of exposure and prevent further exposure.
• Ensure child is eating diet with iron and calcium.

Blood Lead Level 3.5 to 19 µg/dL

There are high amounts of lead in your child’s blood. 

• Your doctor should discuss your child’s diet and nutrition to ensure they are getting enough iron and calcium.
• Identify sources of exposure and prevent further exposure.
• Your child should receive a follow-up test in 1 to 3 months.
• If there are other children in the home, ensure they get a blood lead test as well.

Blood Lead Level 20 to 44 µg/dL

There are very high amounts of lead in your child’s blood. 

• Follow the recommendations for Blood Lead Level 3.5 to 19.
• Your child’s doctor should perform a complete physical exam to see if your child has any sign or symptoms of lead exposure.
• The local health department will visit your home to help find sources of lead.
• Your child should receive a follow-up test in 2 weeks to 1 month.
• If there are other children living in the home, ensure they get a blood lead test as well.

Blood Lead Level 45 or higher µg/dL

There are dangerously high amounts of lead in your child’s blood. 

• Follow the recommendations for Blood Lead Level 20 to 44.
• Your child should receive a follow-up test as soon as possible.
• If your child has confusion, weakness, seizures, coma, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain, take them to the hospital.
• A complete physical exam is needed, including a neurological exam.
• Your local health department will visit your home to help find sources of lead.
• If there are other children living in the home, ensure they get a blood lead test as soon as possible.