In 1995, New Jersey passed a new law to protect children from the dangers of lead poisoning. A new update was passe and signed into law in December, 1997. This law requires physicians and other health care providers to screen all children under 6 years of age with a blood lead test. Children aged 3-5 years who have never been tested also should be screened at least once. If at any time you and your family are exposed to lead, get tested no matter how old you are.
Lead poisoning is a serious health problem.
The most common sources of lead are peeling and chipping paint and dust. Lead-paint chips, and dust with lead in it are found in many old apartments and houses in New Jersey. Infants and toddlers, as part of growing up, put things into their mouths to learn how they taste. This is how many toddlers get lead poisoned. Children with too much lead may not look or act or feel sick.