TRENTON, N.J. — The New Jersey Department of Health is urging parents and caregivers to have their children tested for lead exposure and take steps to reduce potential hazards in their homes as part of National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, observed Oct. 25-31.
This year’s campaign, themed “Keep Kids Safe from Lead,” highlights the dangers of lead exposure, particularly among young children, and the resources available throughout New Jersey to help families identify and prevent lead poisoning.
According to state health officials, the percentage of New Jersey children younger than 6 with elevated blood lead levels decreased from 2.1% in state fiscal year 2020 to 1.4% in fiscal year 2024. Despite that decline, officials emphasized that even low levels of lead exposure can cause serious health problems, particularly in developing children.
New Jersey requires universal blood lead screening for children at 12 months and 24 months of age, as well as testing before age 6 for children who have not previously been screened. Children with blood lead levels of 3.5 micrograms per deciliter or higher should undergo additional testing and monitoring for potential exposure.
“Low levels of lead can still lead to health problems because no amount of blood lead level is safe,” says Dr. Raynard E. Washington, Health Commissioner. “Testing is the only way to identify exposure before it leads to severe and permanent health consequences such as hearing problems and brain damage.”
Health officials estimate that more than 3 million families nationwide with a child younger than 6 live in homes that could expose children to lead-based paint hazards. Common sources of lead include deteriorating paint in homes built before 1978, lead-containing pipes, contaminated soil, certain occupations and hobbies, imported cosmetics, candies, spices and toys, metal cookware, herbal remedies and some food and drink products.
Lead exposure often produces no noticeable symptoms in children, making routine testing particularly important. When symptoms occur, they may include loss of appetite, irritability, constipation and muscle weakness, while severe lead poisoning can cause confusion, seizures, coma and death.
New Jersey expands lead screening requirements
In January 2026, New Jersey enacted a law requiring health care professionals to screen pregnant individuals who may be at risk of lead exposure. State officials said exposure during pregnancy can increase the risk of high blood pressure and preeclampsia, while lead and other toxic metals can be transferred during pregnancy and contribute to harmful health outcomes for children.
According to the Department of Health, 80% of children born in New Jersey who turned 3 during state fiscal year 2024 had received at least one blood lead test. During the same year, fewer than 2% of children statewide had blood lead levels at or above 5 micrograms per deciliter.
The department’s Childhood Lead Program oversees prevention efforts throughout New Jersey, including screening, follow-up care, environmental investigations and public education. The state recently awarded $15 million for fiscal year 2027 to support public health partners providing lead poisoning prevention services.
Local health departments use that support to conduct home visits, identify potential lead hazards, coordinate follow-up testing, order hazard removal and connect families with available resources.
Steps families can take to prevent lead exposure
The Department of Health recommends that parents ensure their children receive required blood lead screenings and take precautions to reduce exposure in their homes. New Jersey insurance companies are required to cover lead screenings for children younger than 17, and testing is available through health care providers and laboratories.
Federally Qualified Health Centers may also provide testing based on eligibility, while uninsured or underinsured children can receive free testing through local health departments. Parents and guardians can access their children’s lead test results through the Docket app or myHealthNJ.com.
Health officials recommend keeping homes clean and free of dust, washing hands frequently and removing shoes before entering the home. People who may encounter lead through their jobs should wash work clothes separately, while homeowners planning renovations should hire certified lead professionals and check for lead-based paint hazards, particularly in homes built before 1978.
Maintaining a balanced diet that includes foods rich in calcium, iron and vitamin C can also help reduce the body’s absorption of lead, according to the department.
State offers assistance with lead hazards in homes
The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs offers assistance programs to help eligible homeowners and tenants address lead-based paint hazards. The programs support efforts to remediate or remove hazardous lead-based paint from residential properties.
“Protecting New Jersey families from the dangers of lead exposure starts with making homes safer, especially for our youngest residents,” said New Jersey Department of Community Affairs Commissioner Jacquelyn A. Suárez. “Through DCA’s lead assistance programs, we help eligible homeowners and tenants address lead-based paint hazards and create healthier living environments. We’re continuing to build on these efforts. DCA recently issued a new RFP for the HUD Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes Grant Program and expects to release a separate RFP for the State Lead Safe Remediation Program in November. During National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, we encourage residents to learn about the resources available to them and take steps to protect their families from the harmful effects of lead.”
Residents can learn about eligibility requirements and apply for assistance through the Department of Community Affairs’ lead assistance programs. Homeowners who are unsure whether their properties contain lead-based paint can hire a certified lead evaluation contractor to inspect for potential hazards.
Lead exposure in drinking water remains a concern
State officials are also emphasizing the importance of identifying and replacing lead-containing plumbing that can contaminate drinking water. Lead service lines, older faucets and other plumbing components can allow lead to enter household water supplies over time.
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection requires drinking water systems to inventory service lines, notify residents about potential lead exposure and develop plans to replace lead service lines within 10 years.
“National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week reminds us of the importance of reducing childhood exposure to lead, which is particularly harmful for a child’s development. New Jersey continues to work together with communities across the state to rid all potential lead hazards from our environment, most importantly in drinking water,” said Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Ed Potosnak. “With support from DEP, water providers continue to identify and completely replace lead water service lines and lead-containing plumbing to ensure safe, lead-free drinking water for our communities.”
The Department of Health’s New Jersey Biomonitoring Program has also worked to identify exposure to lead and mercury among pregnant individuals and infants since 2019. Through partnerships with University Hospital in Newark, Saint Peter’s University Hospital in New Brunswick and Capital Health in Hopewell and Trenton, along with community outreach events, the program has collected nearly 35,000 samples and helped nearly 2,000 pregnant individuals and infants access care.
Residents seeking information about possible lead hazards can use the state’s Potential Lead Exposure Mapping Tool or contact their local health department for guidance on testing and prevention.
State health officials are encouraging families to use National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week as an opportunity to review potential sources of exposure, schedule recommended screenings and learn about assistance programs available to help make their homes safer.
