By Somerset County Board of Freeholders
The Somerset County Department of Health wants parents of young children to know that lead poisoning remains an important issue throughout New Jersey and that prevention and early detection are important.
Exposure to lead is especially damaging to children under the age of six. Lead is a toxic substance that can be swallowed or breathed in and causes damage to a child’s growing organs and nervous system.
Growth, learning and behavioral problems are all caused by lead poisoning. Problems include hyperactivity, lowered IQ, shortened attention spans, anger issues, decreased hearing or longer reaction times. Damage is permanent, so it is important to diagnose lead poisoning as soon as possible.
Lead poisoning in the United States has been greatly reduced since lead was banned from paint and gasoline in the 1970s, but it still remains in the environment. The most common sources of lead poisoning today are lead-based paint in older homes and lead-contaminated dust.
Some other sources may include toys, cosmetics, jewelry, food in soldered cans, imported candies, contaminated soil and traditional folk remedies, such as azarcon (used for stomach discomfort and teething symptoms). Lead can also be brought home by parents who work with or around it. It is important for parents to know what materials are at their jobs.
Parents can take several steps to protect their children from the lasting effects of lead poisoning. The most important step is to make sure children have been tested. A child’s lead level can be determined by a simple blood test. Doctors will recommend ways to lower the blood-lead level in children who are diagnosed with lead poisoning.
At least one blood test should be done by the time children are three years old, because that is when their nervous systems are growing at the fastest rate. Many children with lead poisoning will not show any signs or symptoms, so it is hard to spot without a test.
Another step parents can take to protect their children from lead poisoning is to make sure they are eating a nutritious diet. Children with healthy diets absorb less lead. Also, parents should always wash their children’s hands before they eat to wash off lead dust, as well as germs.
Finally, residents should consider testing their homes. Peeling or chipping lead-based paint is a common high-dose source. Homes built before 1978 have a higher risk of containing lead-based paint. Residents of older homes may obtain a free lead-dust sampling kit by contacting Wipe Out Lead New Jersey at 1-888-722-2903.
More information on lead poisoning and lead testing are available from the state Department of Community Affairs at www.leadsafenj.org. Parents can also find a full list of toys and other products that have been recalled due to lead contamination at the Centers for Disease Control website at www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead. Concerns regarding children’s blood-lead levels should be discussed with a family doctor or the local health department.
A listing of local health departments can be found on the Somerset County Health Department website at www.co.somerset.nj.us/health/localhealth.htm or by calling 908-231-7155 or e-mailing health@co.somerset.nj.us.
