South Carolina Parents Urged to Check for Lead Exposure

Officials promote blood testing and cleaning tips for families in homes built before the 1978 lead paint ban.

Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Home Cleaning

Bold vector editorial illustration showing yellow cleaning gloves and a damp cloth on a wooden window sill, representing home safety measures. — South Carolina officials are encouraging families in homes built before 1978 to prioritize blood lead testing and diligent cleaning practices this week. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Would you request a blood lead test for your child to ensure their safety at home?

As South Carolina marks National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, state officials are highlighting the ongoing risk of lead exposure for young children in older housing. Families are encouraged to pursue blood lead testing, particularly for those living in structures built before 1978.

Why it matters

Lead exposure poses significant risks to children under six whose developing brains are vulnerable to learning and attention problems. Understanding these risks helps parents prioritize necessary health screenings and home maintenance practices to protect their children.

In 2025, 2.71% of tested children in Greenville County and 5.25% in Spartanburg County exceeded the CDC reference level of 3.5 micrograms per deciliter. Federal law requires lead testing for children on Medicaid at 12 and 24 months.

The players

South Carolina Department of Public Health

The state agency responsible for overseeing health initiatives and tracking public exposure to environmental hazards.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

The federal public health institute that sets the 3.5 micrograms per deciliter reference level for blood lead.

The details

Lead paint remains a common hazard in homes built before 1978, but dust can also enter the household on clothing and shoes from industrial workplaces. Parents can mitigate dust accumulation by using wet-cleaning techniques with damp cloths or mops, as well as high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) vacuum cleaners to effectively capture small particles.

1978: Federal ban on the use of lead in household paint.
2025: Year of the reported blood lead testing data in Greenville and Spartanburg counties.
October 25-31, 2026: National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week.

The Home Front

Homes built before the 1978 federal ban on lead paint remain a significant point of concern for household safety. Regulatory efforts are focused on managing these older structures to mitigate long-term exposure risks.

Parents with children aged 1 and 2 should verify their child's lead testing status, as this is required by federal law for those on Medicaid. To minimize exposure, consider implementing regular wet-cleaning routines or upgrading to a HEPA-filter vacuum if your home was built before 1978.

The takeaway

Childhood lead exposure is a manageable risk that requires vigilance in homes built before 1978. Families should consult their pediatrician to confirm if their child is up to date on required lead testing at their 12 and 24-month checkups.