Lead poisoning is entirely preventable, yet over 5200 New Jersey children tested positive for lead exposure in 2003. Even low levels of lead in a child's blood can result in permanent brain damage, lower intelligence, and lead to severe emotional and physical problems.

Under Governor McGreevey, the state is providing the resources needed to screen children for lead poisoning and abatement.

Because one-quarter of homes with children younger than 6 contain lead-based paint, the state is focusing on efforts to prevent lead poisoning.
As a first step to help parents identify the presence of lead paint or dust in their home, Governor McGreevey is providing every expectant mother in NJ with a Lead Contamination Sampling Kit. The Kit contains supplies and directions necessary to collect dust samples, which are then sent to a lab for testing.