Lead Screenings For Kids In Montclair, C. Grove, Verona, Nutley

MONTCLAIR, NJ — The following news release comes courtesy of Montclair Township. Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site here.

The best way to prevent childhood lead exposure is to #kNOwLEAD. The Montclair Department of Health and Human Services, in partnership with the Hackensack UMC Mountainside Family Practice, announces a Lead Screening Program for children ages 1-6 years.

As lead exposure continues to be an ongoing health challenge, it is important that parents take precautionary measures to keep their children safe and healthy. While exposure can damage a child’s learning and development, it can be prevented. The Montclair Health Department has partnered with Hackensack UMC Mountainside Family Practice to provide a Lead Screening Program for residents of Montclair, Cedar Grove, Nutley, and Verona.

Parents should ensure their child is tested for lead exposure at a pediatrician’s office at ages 1 and 2. The #kNOwLead campaign builds on the State’s leadership to address childhood lead exposure. New Jersey is one of only 17 states that require universal lead screening of all children at ages 1 and 2.

For children that have not been tested, or if it is possible that your child has exposed to lead, the following Lead Screening dates and locations are being provided:

• Monday, May 6 - Montclair Health Department, 205 Claremont Ave, Montclair, 3:30 - 5:30 p.m.
• Monday, May 13 - Nutley Health Department, 149 Chestnut Street, Nutley, 3:30 - 5:30 p.m.
• Monday, May 20 - Verona Community Center, 880 Bloomfield Ave, Verona, 3:30 - 5:30 p.m.
• Monday, June 3 - Cedar Grove Municipal Building, 525 Pompton Ave, Cedar Grove, 3:30 - 5:30 p.m.

The #kNOwLead campaign includes outreach about lead exposure to Pre Schools, Schools and Doctor offices. Lead can disrupt the normal growth and development of a child’s brain and central nervous system. While lead paint in homes built before 1978 remains the largest contributor to elevated blood lead levels in children, there are many different lead exposure sources, including water from leaded pipes and imported toys, candy, spices, jewelry, cosmetics, herbal remedies, and pottery.

Additionally, the NJ Department of Health is strengthening New Jersey's standard for intervening in cases of potential lead exposure. The Department regulations require earlier intervention when lower levels of lead are detected in a child- from 10 micrograms per deciliter of blood to between 5 and 9 micrograms. This change will enable the Montclair Health Department and medical providers to intervene with education, case management, home visits, and other steps, at the earliest possible time.

Additionally, The Montclair Health Department can provide parents with a KNOW THE NUMBER – Blood- Lead Level ( BLL ) Card to assist with monitoring their child’s lead level.

To learn more, please visit the NJ Department of Health lead website at www.nj.gov/health/childhoodlead. The site includes videos in English and Spanish to educate residents about lead exposure. For more information, and to make an appointment for your child’s screening, please call the Montclair Health Department at 973-509-4970.

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