Childhood lead poisoning is one of the most common – and preventable – pediatric environmental health problems in the United States today.
There is no safe level of lead.
Even small amounts of lead exposure can alter a child’s life forever. In addition to affecting the brain and nervous system, the primary effects of lead exposure in children include developmental delays, hyperactivity, attention deficits, lowered intelligence, and learning disorders.
There are many sources of lead exposure, but the primary source is from lead-based paint. Although banned for residential use in 1978, it can be widely found in older housing. Approximately 1.1 million children in this country live in homes with significant lead based paint. In New Jersey, approximately 35% of the housing stock was built prior to 1978 which puts many of the state’s children at risk for exposure.
Resources:
-
Lead Risk Assessments
-
The New Jersey Lead Remediation and Abatement program (LRAP), funded by a $180 million federal grant, aims to address this issue by supporting the removal of lead-based hazards from low- to moderate-income households. See flyers below for more information:
-
Potential Lead Exposure Mapping (PLEM) in New Jersey
-
Find Your Local Health Department: Department of Health | Local Public Health | For The Community (nj.gov)
-
Childhood Lead Exposure in New Jersey Annual Report State Fiscal Year 2024
-
Prevent, Protect Nurture- a collaborative campaign with a focus on protecting and preventing pregnant individuals and their babies from harmful environmental exposures.
-
“Know the Number” Flyer
-
New Jersey Lead Poisoning Prevention Toolkit
-
Salem County DHHS Lead Recall Flyer (Spanish and English)
-
Magellan Diagnostics Resumes Distribution of LeadCare® II Test Kits: Click Here For More Information