Salem County Department of Health and Human Services Recognizes National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week
Salem County Department of Health and Human Services will be highlighting the dangers of lead exposure and the importance of testing blood levels in children as part of National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week. which begins October 20.
Exposure to lead – through something as unassuming as cell phone charging cables, imported food snacks, and paint on toys – can cause developmental delays in children and permanent neurological damage.
The Salem County Department of Health and Human Services will be distributing educational materials and placing displays in local banks and municipal buildings, and launching a social medical campaign. Visit the Salem County Department of Health and Human Services Facebook page every day during Lead Week to educate-yourself on lead prevention. Topics will include: lead expo.sure, lead in drinking vi.rater, consumer product safety, and the importance of lead testing.
Salem County Department of Health and Human Services will provide free toy testing for lead during two of its community flu clinics. The Environmental Division will have common products on hand that contain lead. Residents are also welcome to bring toys to test. The testing will take place at the following flu clinics:
- Thursday October I Olh, 2019 ( 4 p.m. – 7p. m.)
- John Fem,ick Elementary School: 183 Smilh St . Salem NJ
- Thursday November 14~, 2019 (4 p.m. – 7 p.m.)
- Lafayeue-Perslliltg School: 273 Shell Rd. Carneys PoiJu, NJ
In 2018, 686 children were tested for lead exposure i.n Salem County. New Jersey regulations require physicians to test children for lead at the ages of 1 and 2 as part of their routine exams. If your child has net been tested, ask your physician.
For more information on Childhood Lead Prevention please visit:
https://health.salemcoumynj.gov/nursing/child-lead-fac1s-in-salem-county/
For more information about childhood lead, visit www.state.nj.us/health/childhoodlead.
Also, follow the CDC website: https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/national-lead-poisoning-prevention-week.htm
