Posted on July 20, 2016 at 9:13 AM by Victoria Mulherin
Lead Poisoning Prevention Program
Did you know that children spend up to 90% of their time indoors? The home plays a vital roll their health. Is your home a healthy place to live? Harmful cleaning products, air fresheners, lead, mold, carbon monoxide and store-bought pesticides are some of the chemicals found in home and child care settings that can make children sick. Studies link health issues such as asthma, lead poisoning and injury to sources of danger in the home.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimated that there are 310,000 children with high levels of lead in their bodies. The primary exposure to lead in children in the United States is through lead-based paint, but lead is also showing up in many products, such as toys, jewelry, zippers, and imported ceramics (plates, bowls, mugs) much to the alarm of parents.
Burlington County offers a Lead Poisoning Prevention Program to all children in the county. NJ law requires that all children under the age of 6 be tested for lead exposure. Lead screenings are available for county residents at no cost to eligible children 6 months to 5 years of age. Children with elevated levels are referred to the Health Department for case management. For more information on the program or concerning case management of children with elevated lead levels, call the Burlington County Health Department at 609-265-5533.