The Paterson Division of Health, Childhood Lead Poisoning Program (CLPP) focuses on Primary Prevention.
Our goal is to protect children from exposure to lead before they are harmed. No safe blood lead level in children has been identified. Even low levels of lead in blood have been shown to affect IQ, ability to pay attention, and academic performance. Lead hazards in a child’s environment must be identified and controlled, or removed using Lead Safe Work Practices.
All contractors working in child occupied dwellings, who will be disturbing lead based paint (LBP), are required to be certified by the EPA. Before hiring a contractor, ask to see his/her certification.
The Health Department also provides Nursing and Environmental Case Management for children who are identified as having elevated blood lead levels. Our nurses provide medical and developmental follow up, and nutritional recommendations. Our lead inspector’s/risk assessors will identify lead hazards and oversee the abatement process to ensure that further exposure does not occur.
Free blood lead screening is offered to all uninsured children the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Wednesdays of every month. All children ages 6 months to six years old must be screened for the presence of lead in their blood.
