What is childhood lead poisoning?

Children are particularly vulnerable to lead poisoning, as even a low blood lead level can damage the nervous system and kidneys, interfere with a child’s growth, learning and more; see Preventing Childhood Lead Poisoning and Recommended Actions Based on Blood Lead Level.

A blood test is the best and easiest way to find out if your child has been exposed to lead.  All children should be tested at ages 1 and 2; talk with your pediatrician about getting your child tested. 

What do health department staff do to protect children from lead poisoning?

The public health nurses and the registered environmental health specialists at the health department help families to protect children from lead poisoning by:

• Screening for blood lead levels,
• Assessment and counseling of caregivers by a Registered Nurse regarding lifestyle and environmental sources of lead and how to prevent lead poisoning of the children, and
• Health department inspectors inspecting the housing of children with an elevated blood lead level to determine the source of lead.

Learn more about childhood lead poisoning in New Jersey, at Department of Health | Childhood Lead.

See important information about lead and preventing lead poisoning from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Control:

Program Manager:
Kristi Bray
908-475-7960