Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention

Childhood Lead Poisoning Program

Universal Screening Guidelines

To protect young children from the serious health effects of lead exposure, the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) requires universal blood lead screening for all children under the age of 6 (72 months).

Children should receive at least two blood lead screenings:

  • First test: At 12 months of age, or anytime between 9 and 18 months
  • Second test: At 24 months of age, or anytime between 18 and 26 months
  • Catch-up screening: Any child between 27 and 72 months who has not previously been tested should receive a lead screening as soon as possible

Environmental Risk Assessment

In addition to routine screenings, a Periodic Environmental Assessment (PEA) should be completed for each child between the ages of 6 months and 72 months to determine potential lead exposure risks.

Ask the following questions:

  • Does the child live in or regularly visit a home or building built before 1978 with peeling, chipping, or deteriorating paint?
    (This includes child care centers, preschools, or homes of child care providers.)
  • Has the child recently spent time in a building where renovations disturbed painted surfaces?
  • Does the child live with someone who works with or has hobbies involving materials that contain lead?

If the answer to any of these questions is "yes" or "I don’t know," the child should receive a blood lead test, even as early as 6 months of age, but definitely before age 6.

Confirmatory Testing Requirements

If a capillary blood test (fingerstick) result is ≥3.5 µg/dL, it must be confirmed with a venous blood lead test to ensure accuracy.

Monitoring and Follow-Up

When elevated blood lead levels are identified, your local health department will provide support to help reduce exposure and protect your child’s health. Services may include:

  • Testing painted surfaces and collecting dust samples in the home
  • Arranging a home visit by a nurse case manager and lead inspector/risk assessor
  • Educating families about the health effects of lead and how to prevent further exposure
  • Offering blood lead testing for siblings, other children, and pregnant women in the household
  • Providing guidance on nutrition, handwashing, and cleaning practices to reduce lead absorption
  • Assessing your family’s needs and connecting you with community resources
  • Investigating potential sources of lead in your home and neighborhood
  • Testing other possible exposure sources such as tap water, soil, toys, and play structure.

For more information about lead screening or to find local support, please contact your local health department at 973-680-4058 or the NJDOH Childhood Lead Program.