Toxic Treats - Lead Poisioning in Candy and other Foods.

Health officials have detected dangerous levels of lead in 112 distinct brands of candy – most of them made in Mexico. One in four candy and wrapper samples have come up high since 1993, records show. But much of this information about tainted candy has been kept from parents and public health workers. Download an Informational Poster from the Orange County Register in PDF format - ENGLISH POSTER or SPANISH POSTER

Lead Screening:

Childhood lead poisoning is a concern in Hunterdon County because of the large number of older homes. The Centers for Disease Control defines the 'action' level for lead poisoning in blood at 10 micrograms per deciliter. When a child's blood test results in this level, the parent is contacted and possible sources of lead are discussed and remedies recommended. At a blood level of 20 or higher, a Public Health Nurse and registered Environmental Health Specialist will visit the home. They will conduct a thorough inspection to determine the source of poisoning, and provide educational counseling.

Mission : Promote health and prevent lead poisoning
Goal: To wipe out lead poisoning.

Lead Screening: Public Health Nursing & Education Office: Call 908-806-4570 for an appointment. OR WIC Lead Screening Sites: Call NORWESCAP at 1-800-527-0125 for an appointment. OR Discuss lead screening with your Health Care Professional.

• Lead poisoning can cause serious learning, developmental, and behavioral problems in children.
• The most common source of lead is from the dust of old, deteriorating paint or unsafe remodeling and renovating practices in homes built before 1978.
• The most common way that lead gets into the body is through hand to mouth activity.
• Have your children tested for lead. New Jersey State law requires all children to have their blood tested for lead at age 1 year and again at age 2 years. Children between the ages of 3-6, who have never been tested, should be tested. High-risk children need to be tested more frequently.
• Childhood lead poisoning is preventable.

Lead information links:

• www.epa.gov/lead/ - Facts about lead
• www.cdc.gov/ - Facts about lead
• http://www.cdc.gov/cleanhands/ - When and how to wash your hands
• www.leadsafenj.org - General information about lead, resources for educators, parents, caregivers, and children
• www.njpies.org - Fun activities for children
• www.epi.state.nc.us/epi/lead.html - Facts and other lead links
• http://health.yahoo.com/encylhealthwise/hwll9898 - Facts about lead, what is lead poisoning, what causes lead poisoning, what are the symptoms, how to treat lead poisoning, and who is at risk
• Contact Shu Chen-Chiang, RN at Public Health Nursing & Education: 908-806-4570