Lead is natural to our environment and has been used in many products for hundreds of years. Unfortunately, it is dangerous to humans if it enters the body. It can be inhaled, swallowed, and ingested from many different sources.
There is no safe level of lead in the human body
In New Jersey, children are most likely to be exposed to lead by lead-based paint that has broken down over time, usually in the form of paint chips and dust.
Even at very low levels, lead can cause serious harm to children and adults. Children are more likely to have serious diseases from low levels of lead than adults. Some of the dangers to a child’s health may include damage to the brain, kidneys, and nervous system.
New Jersey mandates that children under 6 years be tested for lead at ages 1 and 2, or as soon as possible before the age of 6. Insurance companies in NJ, including Medicaid, are required to cover blood lead testing for children 17 years of age and under. Please see Universal Blood Lead Testing for more information.
New Jersey’s Lead-Safe Certification Law, enacted in July 2022, also requires lead paint inspections in most pre-1978 rental units, particularly upon tenant turnover or every three years, to obtain a Lead-Safe Certification. Please see Lead-Based Paint Inspections in Rental Dwelling Units for more information.
Partnership with the Paterson Health Department
To better protect children in our community, NWBRHC partners with the Paterson Division of Health’s Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (CLPP). This collaboration allows us to provide comprehensive follow-up for children with elevated blood lead levels and ensure that environmental hazards are identified and safely addressed.
The Paterson CLPP team focuses on preventing lead exposure before it occurs. Their nurses provide medical and developmental follow-up, nutritional guidance, and support for families. Certified environmental inspectors assess homes for potential lead hazards and oversee abatement efforts to ensure that children remain safe from further exposure.
Through this partnership, we can offer families expert nursing and environmental case management while reinforcing our shared goal: to eliminate lead exposure and protect every child’s health and development.
Other Helpful Links:
Childhood Lead Brochure in Multiple Languages
