New Jersey Invests Additional $10 Million to Address Childhood Lead Exposure

There is no safe level of lead in children, and exposure can damage a child’s learning and development. But it can be prevented through education and early intervention. 
Building on his commitment to ensuring the health and safety of New Jersey’s children, Gov. Chris Christie has included $10 million in his proposed FY 2018 budget for local communities to identify those with elevated blood lead levels and reduce exposure.
The Department of Health is strengthening New Jersey’s standard for intervening in cases of potential lead exposure. The department’s regulations are being updated to require earlier intervention when lower levels of lead are detected in a child — from 10 micrograms per deciliter of blood to five micrograms per deciliter of blood. This change and the governor’s $10 million investment will enable public health officials and medical providers to intervene with education, case management, home visits, and other initiatives at the earliest possible time.
“We will invest $20 million to fund lead remediation assistance for low- and moderate-income households in New Jersey, and to meet the funding needs required by new regulations to identify elevated blood-lead levels in children,” Christie said during his budget address in February. “It was this administration that reacted quickly and decisively to deal with this issue by adding immediate funding last year. We continue that commitment to our citizens’ health in this budget.”
Lead can disrupt the normal growth and development of a child’s brain and central nervous system. While lead paint in homes built before 1978 remains the largest contributor to elevated blood lead levels in children, there are many different lead exposure sources including water from leaded pipes and imported toys, candy, spices, jewelry, cosmetics, herbal remedies, and pottery. In October 2016, the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs awarded $10 million to eight nonprofit organizations to provide lead-safe renovation activities in residential units built prior to 1978.
New Jersey is one of only 17 states that require universal lead screening of all children at ages 1 and 2. Parents should ensure their child is tested for lead exposure at a pediatrician’s office. For uninsured residents, local health departments and community health centers provide free or low-cost testing. Parents can also speak to their local health department about testing paint and dust in homes, especially in houses built before 1978. The $10 million in the governor’s budget will allow communities to assist families in reducing lead exposure for their children.
Parents must take precautions to keep their children safe and healthy. The Department of Health provides resources for parents to stay informed so lead exposure can be avoided. The department’s ongoing #kNOwLEAD public education campaign aims to increase awareness of all lead hazards in homes, schools, and on the job, and educate residents about what they can do to prevent exposure and safeguard their child’s health. I encourage everyone to follow our #kNOwLEAD campaign on Facebook and Twitter. The department kicked off the campaign in October 2016 with a series of events across the state.
To learn more, visit the department’s lead website at www.nj.gov/health/childhoodlead which includes videos in English and Spanish to educate residents about lead exposure. Follow the #kNOwLEAD campaign on Facebook and Twitter for the most current information.
ED. NOTE: The author is commissioner of New Jersey Department of Health.