The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates there is no safe blood lead level in children. Lead exposures come from a combination of environmental sources, which may include lead in water. U.S. EPA estimates that water can make up 20 percent or more of a person’s total exposure to lead, and infants who consume mostly mixed formula can receive 40-60 percent of their exposure to lead from drinking water. The source of lead in water is most often a building’s plumbing system. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) support point-of-use (POU) filters as a short-term strategy for reducing lead in drinking water. A POU system filters water at the “point” where water is being used and is installed at the water connection, typically under the sink in the kitchen or bathroom. Filters should routinely be replaced or maintained in accordance with manufacturers guidelines and recommendations to remain effective. Lead in homes can also come from sources other than water. To access more information about other sources of lead, please visit IDPH’s website at: http://www.dph.illinois.gov/illinoislead. Consider contacting your doctor to have your children tested if you are concerned about lead exposure.