Lead is a toxic heavy metal. Even low blood lead levels (BLLs) in children can cause neurological disorders, developmental delays, behavioral problems, and poor school performance.

The University of South Carolina’s Institute for Families in Society, Division of Medicaid Policy Research (MPR), used geographic information system (GIS) technology to identify local communities with potential environmental lead exposure and those with low Medicaid blood lead screening rates. This infographic describes MPR’s research and findings.

The National Academy for State Health Policy (NASHP) also created a fact sheet that addresses lead toxicity in children. It provides data, the potential health impacts, federal CMS requirements for screening and treatment through Medicaid and CHIP, and options states have to improve their lead screening and treatment rates.

Source NASHP Lead Screening & Treatment in Medicaid and CHIP (http://www.nashp.org/lead-screening-treatment-in-medicaid-and-chip/)