The percentage of children who were tested and had elevated blood lead levels in the State of Maryland decreased by one-tenth of a percentage point in 2008, the Maryland Department of the Environment said on July 27.

The agency released its annual statewide Childhood Lead Registry statistics, which found:

·         In 2008, 106,452 children under six were tested, which is an increase from the previous year’s total of 105,708 children.

·         In Baltimore City, 18,622 chilren were tested, more than 17,670 in 2007.

·         713 children, or 0.7 percent of those tested, had an elevated blood lead level of 10 micrograms per deciliter (ug/dL) or greater. In 2007, 0.8 of those tested had elevated blood lead levels.