Lead Poisoning Prevention

In Minnesota, approximately 1.2 million homes throughout the state contain at least some lead paint. Because lead is commonly found in the environment, activities carried out by the MDH Lead Program affect virtually all residents of Minnesota. Children under 6 years old and pregnant women are the most vulnerable to lead and are considered to have "elevated" lead levels if their blood test results are greater than 10 ug/dL. Although there has been a dramatic decline in national blood lead levels over the past 10-15 years, childhood lead poisoning continues to be a major, preventable environmental health problem. The MDH lead program encourages primary prevention, provides guidance and support to individuals exposed to lead, and fulfills the three core public health functions of assessment, assurance, and policy/planning.

The MDH blood lead surveillance system monitors blood lead levels in adults and children throughout Minnesota. Surveillance data are used to monitor trends, help identify populations at risk for elevated blood lead, and help ensure that screening services are provided to groups with the highest risk of lead poisoning. In addition, environmental assessment and medical follow up is provided to children with elevated blood lead levels. In general, the average blood lead level reported in Minnesota reflects national trends and has been declining. While this decrease may be due to a number of factors, efforts by MDH to raise awareness of lead issues and identify high-risk areas for lead exposure have clearly played a key role.

Compliance activities conducted by MDH include licensing individuals and certifying firms to do lead hazard reduction work, as well as issuing permits for the coursework and materials used for encapsulating lead-based paint. MDH staff professionals conduct and oversee inspections, assessments, and lead hazard abatements. A focus on working cooperatively with other partners to fund lead paint removal has helped to create a strong "lead community". Because lead poisoning issues transcend administrative and cultural boundaries, promoting this cooperative working environment is essential. All members of the lead program staff share responsibility for educating and communicating effectively about the risks posed by lead in all areas of the state where cities of the first class have not assumed responsibility for lead inspection and hazard reduction.

For questions about this page, please contact the Lead Program at health.lead@state.mn.us or 651-201-4620. For specific lead questions, please use the contacts listed on our Contact Us page.