Childhood lead exposure can be measured by test year or birth year. Birth year measures track childhood lead exposure by the year a child was born, also known as a birth cohort, and include blood lead tests up to 3 years of age. The most recent birth cohort to have been observed for a full three years is children born in 2021 and includes blood lead test results from 2021-2024.

Elevated blood lead levels (EBLLs) are defined here as 5+ mcg/dL. In 2023, the definition of an EBLL was lowered to 3.5 mg/dL in Minnesota and will be reflected on the MDH data portal in the future. Historically, children at higher risk for lead exposure were recommended for blood lead testing. In 2022, Minnesota guidelines changed to recommend that every child is tested at both 1 and 2 years of age.

  • Percent elevated (State)
  • Percent elevated (Region)
  • Percent tested (Region)
  • EBLL categories (State)
  • Percent tested by age (State)

Elevated blood lead levels (EBLLs) among Minnesota children tested, by birth year

The most recent birth cohort to have been observed for a full three years is children born in 2021. In recent years in Minnesota, about 1% of children (about 7 of every 1,000 children) had an elevated blood lead level among those that were tested by 3 years of age.

Source: MDH Blood Lead Database. Among children tested by 3 years of age. Elevated blood lead levels (EBLLs) are defined here as 5+ mcg/dL (micrograms of lead per deciliter of blood).

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    Elevated blood lead levels (EBLLs) by region among children tested in Minnesota, by birth year

    The most recent birth cohort to have been observed for a full three years is children born in 2021. Children living within the city limits of Minneapolis or St. Paul are at a higher risk for lead exposure compared to the other regions of the state.

    Source: MDH Blood Lead Database. Among children tested by 3 years of age. The "Metro excluding MSP" trend line represents children living in the 7-county Twin Cities metropolitan area except for the cities of Minneapolis or St. Paul. The "Minneapolis-St. Paul" trend line represents children living within city limits. The "Greater MN" trend line represents children living in Minnesota outside of the 7-county Twin Cities Metro. The "Minnesota" trend line is the statewide average.

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      Children tested in Minnesota by birth year

      The most recent birth cohort to have been observed for a full three years is children born in 2021. The percent of children tested for blood lead has increased over time. In Minnesota, about 82% children born in 2021 were tested for blood lead. Testing coverage rates vary slightly across regions: slightly higher in the 7-county Twin Cities Metro region and slightly lower in Greater Minnesota.

      Source: MDH Blood Lead Database. Children tested by 3 years of age. The "7-county metro" trend line represents children living in the 7-county Twin Cities metropolitan area. The Greater MN trend line represents children living in Minnesota outside of the 7-county Twin Cities Metro. The Minnesota trend line is the statewide average.

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        Elevated blood lead levels (EBLLs) categories among Minnesota children tested, by birth year

        The most recent birth cohort to have been observed for a full three years is children born in 2021. The number of children with very high blood lead levels has generally declined over time. Though very few children test in the highest ranges of blood lead levels, these levels are associated with more severe health effects. However, there is no safe level of lead.

        Source: MDH Blood Lead Database. Among children tested for blood lead by 3 years of age.

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          Children tested at ages 1 and 2 years in Minnesota, by birth year

          The most recent birth cohort to have been observed for a full three years is children born in 2021. In recent years, about 69% of children were tested around 1 year of age and about 49% were tested around 2 years of age. Only about 4 in 10 children (37%) were tested at both 1 and 2 years of age. Minnesota guidelines recommend screening all children for lead exposure at both 1 and 2 years of age. Children tested at 1 year of age should be tested again at 2 years even if the blood lead level was low at the 1-year test since risk behaviors related to lead exposure change as a child develops.

          Source: MDH Blood Lead Database. Children were tested for blood lead around 1 year of age (9-18 months), around 2 years of age (18-36 months), or both 1 and 2 years of age.

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            • Percent tested (County)
            • Percent elevated (County)

            Children tested for blood lead in Minnesota (2021 birth year)

            Minnesota average: 81.7% tested. Source: MDH Blood Lead Database.
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            Childhood Lead Exposure
            Birth Year (cohort method)
            2021
            State
            27000
            Minnesota
            81.7
            Percent of children tested under 3 years of age
            52674
            64450

              Elevated blood lead levels (EBLLs) among children tested in Minnesota (2021 birth year)

              Lead exposure in young children is linked with health effects, including learning impairment, behavioral problems, and even death if lead levels are very high. There is no safe level of exposure to lead. Each county is compared to the statewide average for percent of children with an EBLL.

              Source: MDH Blood Lead Database. Minnesota average: 0.7% EBLLs. Among children tested for blood lead before 3 years of age (2021-2024 test results). Each county is compared to the statewide average using 95% confidence intervals.
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              Childhood Lead Exposure
              Birth Year (cohort method)
              2021
              State
              27000
              Minnesota
              Lead level
              5+ mcg/dL
              0.7
              Percent of children with elevated blood lead levels
              343
              52674
              No significant difference