Childhood Lead

Lead Poisoning Risk Assessments, Inspections and Nurse Case Management

Provide information and testing for lead paint on premises of children with elevated blood lead levels when referred by the State Health Department.


Helpful information:

NJDOH-Childhood Lead Poisoning
NJDOH- Lead Exposure Letter
Spanish- Don't Take Lead Home
English- Don't Take Lead Home
Drinking Water in Schools
Drinking Water Fact Sheet
NJDOH Lead FAQ's
Blood Lead Levels in Children


Contact Us

  1. Andrea Alvare

    Director/Health Officer
    Email
    More Information

  • Lead can be found in many places in a child's environment.
  • No safe blood lead level in children has been identified.
  • Even low levels of lead in blood can be harmful.
  • Parents, healthcare providers, and public health professionals can all take steps to prevent lead exposure.
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Sources of lead

Lead can be found throughout a child’s environment. Homes built before 1978 (when lead-based paints were not banned) probably contain lead-based paint. When the paint peels and cracks, it makes lead dust. Children can be exposed to lead when they swallow paint chips or breathe in lead dust.

Lead can also be found in:

  • Certain water pipes
  • Some products such as toys and jewelry
  • Candies or traditional home remedies

Lead poisoning prevention


Primary prevention

Primary prevention is the removal of lead hazards from the environment before a child is lead exposed. It is the most effective way to ensure that children do not experience harmful long-term effects of lead exposure.

Secondary prevention

Secondary prevention includes blood lead testing and follow-up care and referral. It remains an essential safety net for children who may already be exposed to lead.

Testing for lead exposure

A blood test is the best way to determine if a child has been exposed to lead. The amount of lead in blood is referred to as a blood lead level, which is measured in micrograms of lead per deciliter of blood (μg/dL). Most children with lead in their blood have no obvious symptoms. Talk to your child's health care provider about getting a blood lead test.

Lead-Poisoning-In-Young-Children