Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention
Lead and other toxins are common in older homes, drinking water, some household goods, and even toys. Exposure to lead and other harmful toxins during pregnancy or early in a child’s life can have a lifelong impact on development. Toxin exposure can cause developmental delays, hearing loss, damage to the nervous system, and more.
The good news is that lead exposure can be prevented. The Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program works to eliminate childhood lead poisoning and maintain healthy and safe homes. We work with local health departments, child care centers, parents, and community organizations to provide free lead prevention education and healthy homes kits.
Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention staff members are public health experts who provide the following services at community agencies:
- Free and exciting presentations to children 6 years and younger using the “Elmo Lead Away” video
- Free lead prevention and healthy homes workshops to programs that serve children and pregnant women
- Free lead prevention and healthy homes workshops to tenants and property owners (owner-occupied and tenant-occupied units)
- Resources for families impacted by lead and other toxin exposure
Contact us to schedule a presentation or discuss concerns about your child’s exposure to toxins.
Give us a call at 973-268-2280 or complete the form below.
Working together with community partners, we host quarterly meetings to share resources and urgent concerns about toxin exposure in our eight-county service area. The Coalition works to decrease lead exposure and access to non-lead paint sources, to help families take steps to prevent lead poisoning, and to help families and homeowners maintain healthy and safe homes.
Coalition members include health officers, health inspectors, public health nurses, community-based organizations, child care center staff, and health insurance representatives. We are eager to welcome new members.
If you would like to join, please contact us at 973-268-2280.
Online Resources:
American Academy of Pediatrics
EPA Lead Program
National Center for Healthy Housing
NJ Poison Control Center
Safe Kids New Jersey
New Jersey Department of Health
US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC): lead recalls
US Food and Drug Administration: safety & recalls