National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week (last week of October)
New Jersey's childhood lead poisoning problem is among the worst in the nation. Approximately two million houses in the state were constructed prior to the national ban on the sale of lead-based paint in 1978, and many children are, therefore, potentially exposed to dangerous levels of lead. Children become lead poisoned by ingesting lead-based paint chips, dirt containing lead, or food from improperly glazed pottery. Lead is also found in dust, water, and, as recent news reports are revealing, toys. Lead poisoning can cause developmental disabilities, behavioral problems, decreased IQ, and other neurological impairments that affect a child's ability to learn.
Click here for more information about lead poisoning.