Lead Poisoning Education & Information
Lead poisoning is a serious medical condition that occurs when lead accumulates in the body. Currently, lead poisoning is the nation’s # 1 preventable environmental health problem facing young children http://www.nj.gov/humanservices/opmrdd/health/. Although anyone can develop lead poisoning, children under the age of six years, pregnant women and others who work in lead-related industries are at greatest risk. A blood test is the only way to find out if an individual has an elevated blood lead level.Currently, there are no treatments available to reverse the effects of lead poisoning. https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/lead/.
Lead is a highly toxic metal that remains in the environment decades after use. Lead is a naturally occurring metal below the earth’s surface; however, it has been found in paint, plumbing pipes, ceramics, gasoline, batteries and even cosmetics and candies. Until the 1970’s, lead could be found almost anywhere in New Jersey and the United States. Homes were painted with lead-based paint, cars were fueled by leaded gasoline, pipes and solder contained lead, and other household items, such as ink, batteries, and even crayons contained lead.
All children should be screened at age 1 and 2, or by age 6 if they were never previously tested. Speak with your child’s pediatrician to get a lead screening. If your child is uninsured or underinsured, call the Atlantic County Division of Public Health 609-645-7700 ext. 4500 to check for eligibility and make an appointment for a grant-funded lead screening.
More information is available at the following websites:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/tips.htm
State of NJ Department of Health – https://www.state.nj.us/health/childhoodlead/resources.shtml
Atlantic County Division of Public Health – http://www.atlantic-county.org/environmental-health/topics.asp?topicID=202
See attached flyers for more information.
Lead Education Flyer-Home Checklist
Atlantic County Division of Public Health Questions and Answers about Lead Poisoning
