LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – The Michigan Senate has taken steps to reduce lead levels in children through new legislation passed on Wednesday.
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Under Senate Bill 31, children between a year old and two years old would be required to be tested, and if later the minor has no record of the test, they would be tested for lead levels between two and six.
“The department may, by rule, adjust the age requirements described,” the bill reads, “or eliminate the testing requirements in subsection (2)(a) if, after collecting and reviewing data on lead poisoning in this state for 5 years, the department determines that testing minors at the ages described in subsection (2)(a) is no longer necessary or appropriate to maintain the health and safety of minors who reside in this state.”
With parental consent, the testing would take place during other immunizations for the minor.
“Beginning January 1, 2024, the certificate must also have a space to indicate whether the minor has been tested for lead poisoning.”
The House Fiscal Agency provided some additional information regarding the possible legislative change.
“According to testimony, Michigan ranked third highest in the nation for elevated blood lead levels in children in 2021,” the analysis said. “Lead poisoning in children can cause damage to the brain and nervous system, slowed growth and development, learning and behavioral problems, and hearing and speech problems. Implementing testing for lead poisoning on every child in Michigan would allow parents and doctors to minimize the risk of long-term harm to children not currently covered by Medicaid.”
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Additionally, the law would provide for universal testing if a child lives in a home that was built prior to 1978, or one where other children have been diagnosed with lead poisoning. If a physician determines that the child is at risk of childhood lead poisoning based on other factors, then the minor can be tested at more regular intervals.
The bill bears some similarities to House Bill 5365, which was introduced during the 2019-2020 Legislative Session.
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