Figure 11: Number of Children Under Age Six Years Newly Identified with Blood Lead Levels ≥ 10 mcg/dL by Age; 1998 to 2007 Blood Lead Test Data, New York State Excluding New York City

Figure 11 shows the total number of children newly identified with BLLs ≥ 10 mcg/dL, by age category (0 - < 9 months, 9 months - < 18 months, 18 months - < 36 months and 36 months - < 72 months) for each year from 1998 to 2007. This analysis was conducted to assess differences in the incidence of lead poisoning among young children of different ages and how those differences may be changing over time.

Overall, the total incidence of lead poisoning has declined over time in all age groups defined. These declines are most striking among children aged one year (9 months - < 18 months), two years (18 months - < 36 months) and three years to six years (36 - < 72 months), while incidence among children under age one year (0 - < 9 months) has been more stable.

The highest number of new cases of BLLs ≥ 10 mcg/dL occurred among children at or around age one year (9 months - < 18 months) in all years since 1999, followed by the number of cases among children at or around age two years (18 months - < 36 months). Far fewer cases were identified among children under age one year (0 - < 9 months) or over age three years (36 months - < 72 months).

Year of Test Age of Children with Blood Lead Levels ≥ 10 mcg/dL
0 - < 9 Months 9 - < 18 Months 18 - < 36 Months 36 - < 72 Months
1998 66 1,607 2,216 1,309
1999 135 1,965 1,282 922
2000 132 1,801 1,055 531
2001 96 1,725 938 443
2002 92 1,771 793 319
2003 81 1,528 730 273
2004 72 1,428 786 308
2005 68 1,312 665 238
2006 52 1,254 592 200
2007 51 1,186 500 164