Lead Testing is Important: Young Children and Pregnant Women
Before being outlawed by the federal government in 1978, lead-based paint was widely used in homes, apartments, commercial buildings, public schools, childcare facilities, even government buildings. Lead-based paint was popular because of how fast it dried and its remarkable durability.
However, it is now evident that lead is highly poisonous and can cause grave health issues, including damage to the brain, nerves, kidneys, and blood if absorbed by the body.
Research has revealed that children aged six years and below and pregnant women are most vulnerable to the toxic effects of lead. In 2021, the New Jersey Department of Health, in partnership with Central Jersey Visiting Nurses Association, performed a pilot study targeting pregnant women receiving prenatal care. Out of the 64 pregnant women who were screened, six were found to have elevated blood lead levels. That’s quite an alarming number, but the pilot study program has since brought about many success stories in New Jersey.
So, if you are planning to remodel your home or purchase a new residential unit built before 1978, a lead paint test from AAA Lead Professionals could help shield your family or tenants from serious health complications. After all, if the source of the lead is not established and abated, the poisoning will persist, and the symptoms will worsen.
Is Lead Testing Mandatory in New Jersey?
Beginning in July 2022, if you rent pre-1978 property, you will be required to conduct a Visual Lead-Paint Inspection. You will also need to obtain lead dust wipe samples every three years as well as get a Lead Safe Certification. A property owner can seek the services of an NJ DCA Certified Lead Evaluation contractor to conduct these inspections (visual and dust wipe).
In addition, the State of New Jersey established a law in 1995 requiring every doctor, child’s health care provider, and federally qualified health center in the state to screen all young children under the age of six who visit them. Specifically, in 2019, over 200,000 children in New Jersey were tested for lead exposure. About 4,000 of them were found to have elevated blood lead levels (above the permissible lead action level).
Common Sources of Lead Exposure in NJ
Lead can be tested in water, paint, air, and dust. Our lab tests will reveal not only whether there is lead contamination but also the levels of lead in these sources.
- Lead-based paint – An inspection is recommended for finishing materials, paint, and construction materials. If the paint in your building is still intact, we mostly use an XRF machine to conduct the test.
- Lead in water – Is there lead in New Jersey drinking water? NJ has many lead service lines since much of the state was built before 1978. As a result, a state law signed by Gov. Phil Murphy in 2021 required Public Water Systems to make an assessment of lead pipes and replace all of them within ten years. More so, the J.A.C. 6A:26-12.4 code required covered entities such as public school districts and charter schools to inspect and test for lead in drinking water.
- Lead dust – AAA Lead Professionals will collect dust wipe samples from areas where dust has accumulated or where deteriorating paint is evident, such as floors, and windows.
- Soil – Soil around your home or neighborhood will be collected and sent to the lab for analysis – particularly from areas where a high number of children gather.
Testing for Lead Paint in New Jersey: Our Professional Process
The AAA Lead Professionals’ difference starts with our inspection. Usually equipped with the most up-to-date technologies, our lead inspectors begin by using an XRF machine to identify any lead presence. The results can be ascertained on-site without damaging the surface. More custom-made homes, particularly with features such as window trim, wainscoting, molding, etc., will require more samples taken for analysis. We will advise on the right action plan to deal with these hazards depending on the results.
AAA Lead Professional’s lead testers are:
We are Here to Hold Your Hand.
Having safety concerns about your home, workplace, or child’s learning institution can be stressful. Each situation is unique, and thus, finding solutions that offer some peace of mind is the only way to go. That’s why we are here. At AAA Lead Professionals, we love to help. Get in touch with us today.
