Published on July 9, 2025 3:20 pm
Last Updated on July 9, 2025 3:20 pm
The Illinois Department of Public Health has announced an expansion of its list of ZIP codes where lead exposure testing is required for children who live within those areas.
180 new ZIP codes, representing 47 Illinois counties, have been added to the list this year, bringing the total of high-risk ZIP codes to more than 1,350. By this time next year, all remaining ZIP codes in the state will be included, implementing universal childhood lead testing statewide.
Lauren Ohnesorge of the Effingham County Health Department said with the addition of the 180 new ZIP codes, all of Effingham County is now on the list.
Lead exposure can lead to damage to the brain and nervous system, slowed growth and developmental, behavioral and learning difficulties, and more.
Also in the area, some ZIP codes in Jasper County have been added to the testing list.
