Lead Poisoning
Lead
is a highly toxic metal that was used for many years in
products found in and around our homes. Lead may cause
a range of health effects, from behavioral problems and
learning disabilities, to seizures and death. Children
6 years old and under are most at risk, because their bodies
are growing quickly. This site provides information about
lead, lead hazards, and provides some simple steps to protect
your family.
>>> visit
the EPA lead awareness program website
The LeadSafeNJ Program is a collection of
public education, outreach and training initiatives made
possible through funding by the State of New Jersey Department
of Community Affairs as authorized by the Lead Hazard Control
Assistance Act.
|
Wipe Out Lead
New Jersey (WOLNJ)
WOLNJ is a statewide initiative to distribute free
at home lead dust test kits to pregnant women and eligible
families in select cities across NJ. Using these kits,
dust wipe samples taken from the window sill and floor
are sent to a professional lab to determine whether
harmful lead dust from lead based paint is present. >>> more |
>>> watch
some videos (NJN)
>>> read about lead poisoning due to lead
bracelets (CDC)
Following is the online version of Lead
Poisoning: What It Is and What You Can Do About
It. One
printed copy of the manual is available free
of charge. This handbook, produced
by NJ Legal Services, contains information on preventing
and recognizing the signs of lead poisoning, as
well as the
legal rights of those who may be at risk.
>>>
click here to order
The Environmental Quality Institute conducts
research on environmental issues through the University
of North Carolina at Asheville. We serve citizen groups,
governmental agencies and the private sector by providing
information on water quality and other environmental concerns.
>>> order your test kit
Lead-based paint was banned in 1978. However, today
there are still about 38 million homes that contain some
lead paint—about 40% of all US housing. Leaded
gasoline emissions that were deposited over the years
in the soil near highways and busy roads continue to
contaminate many yards. And thousands of old lead pipes
that continue to serve as water service lines in many
older US cities also continue to leach lead into drinking
water.
The good news is that lead poisoning is
preventable. Families need to be informed about the various
sources of lead and need to be vigilant in preventing
exposure. The National Safety Council is pleased to provide
the following materials that we hope readers will use
as resources to prevent lead poisoning.
>>> visit
the NSC website
