This week is National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week (October 25 to 31), themed “Keep Kids Safe from Lead,” and the New Jersey Department of Health is reminding families to get their children tested. The department put out the reminder in a joint release with the Department of Environmental Protection on October 29.
According to the Health Department, New Jersey requires blood lead screening for every child at 12 months and 24 months, and any time before age 6 if the earlier tests were missed. The department says no level of lead in the blood is safe, and that testing is the only way to catch exposure before it causes lasting harm. Most children show no symptoms.
Key numbers from the department:
- Between state fiscal years 2020 and 2024, the share of New Jersey children under 6 with an elevated blood lead level dropped from 2.1% to 1.4%.
- 80% of children born in New Jersey who turned 3 in fiscal year 2024 had at least one blood lead test.
- Any child with a level of 3.5 micrograms per deciliter or more should be re-tested and monitored.
How to prevent lead poisoning, per the Health Department:
- Get your child tested. Insurers in New Jersey must cover lead screening for children under 17. If a child is uninsured or underinsured, local health departments offer free testing.
- Keep the home lead-safe: clean dust often, wash hands, take shoes off at the door, and hire certified lead professionals for renovations. Check for lead paint in homes built before 1978.
- Feed kids a balanced diet. Foods high in calcium, iron and vitamin C can help reduce lead absorption.
The release lists common sources as lead paint (especially in older homes), leaded pipes, contaminated soil, certain jobs and hobbies, some imported cosmetics, candies, spices and toys, metal cookware and herbal remedies.
A new state law that took effect in January requires health care professionals to screen pregnant patients who may have been exposed to lead.
Help for homeowners and tenants: The Department of Community Affairs runs lead assistance programs for eligible homeowners and tenants. Commissioner Jacquelyn Suarez said a new request for proposals for the HUD Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes Grant Program is out, and one for the State Lead Safe Remediation Program is expected in November. Details: nj.gov/dca/dhcr/offices/leadsafe.shtml
Drinking water: DEP Commissioner Ed Potosnak said water providers are working to find and replace lead service lines. The state requires water systems to inventory service lines, notify residents and plan replacement within 10 years. Residents can look up potential lead sources with the state’s Potential Lead Exposure Mapping tool: NJ Potential Lead Exposure Mapping Tool
For Lakewood residents, TLS reported earlier this month that New Jersey American Water is still identifying service pipe materials here, and that residents who missed the canvasser can still get their pipe identified: Missed the Canvasser? You Can Still Get Your Service Pipe Identified
Resources: Childhood lead testing requirements: nj.gov/health/childhood-lead. Worried about lead exposure? Call the NJ Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222. If a child has symptoms, call 911.
