A policy change in Michigan will mean more children can qualify for lead poisoning assistance.

State officials lowered the threshold this year for what’s considered “elevated” blood lead levels in Michigan. This means the families of as many as 1,500 additional children will qualify for assistance due to exposure to lead.

Bridge Michigan reports that officials will be able to initiate public health action earlier than before, which allows for better prevention and treatment.

The number of children in the state who received a blood lead test decreased by 32% in 2020 and 2021, due to the pandemic.