Lead is a naturally occurring metal known for its malleability, resistance to corrosion, and low melting point. Historically, it was widely used in household items such as paint, pipes, crystal/glass, and batteries. Lead paint was particularly favored for its quick drying properties, moisture resistance, durability, and pigmentation.
From the 1940s to the 1960s, various studies explored the long-term effects of lead poisoning in children. Dr. Herbert Needleman expanded on these studies in the 1970s by examining lead content in children's teeth. He found that children with higher lead levels scored poorly on IQ tests and exhibited behavioral issues. These findings led to governmental actions to phase out lead use, including a federal ban on residential lead paint in 1978.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) asserts that no level of lead in a child's blood is safe. Lead poisoning can result in developmental delays, behavioral problems, brain damage, and nervous system damage due to children's developing bodies. In New Jersey, children must be tested for lead before age two or by age six if they have not been previously tested. Insurance companies are mandated to cover the costs of blood lead testing for children up to 17 years old.
Children may be exposed to lead through various means. Older homes painted with lead-based paint pose a risk when the paint chips off or breaks down into toxic dust. Drinking water can also be contaminated if it flows through lead pipes.
In 2022, approximately 39% of New Jersey children aged six months to 26 months were tested for lead; about 1.6% had elevated blood lead levels (EBLL). For children under six years old, around 23% were tested with 1.9% showing elevated levels. Counties like Cumberland, Mercer, and Essex reported higher percentages of EBLL among children and also have significant numbers of families living below the federal poverty level.
To align with CDC recommendations, future Annual Childhood Lead reports from the Department of Health will lower the EBLL standard from 5 µg/dL to 3.5 µg/dL. This adjustment aims to assist more children with elevated blood levels since any amount of lead is considered unsafe.
Lead-Free NJ is an organization dedicated to eliminating environmental lead hazards in New Jersey. The group has proposed updates to New Jersey Administrative Code Section 8:51 regarding procedures for managing cases of elevated blood lead levels in children. They advocate for improved case management practices and better access to local services for assessing and mitigating lead risks.
Lead poisoning poses significant developmental risks for children; thus regular testing at recommended ages is essential.
