Childhood Blood Lead Surveillance Data — New Jersey
Why blood lead testing matters
Water is one source of lead exposure for children, but it's not the only one. Old paint, soil, and certain consumer products also contain lead. Blood lead testing is how doctors detect whether a child has been exposed—even before symptoms appear. The CDC recommends screening all children at ages 1 and 2, and testing any child under 6 whose lead exposure is unknown.
New Jersey tracks pediatric blood lead levels through its surveillance system. This data tells you whether children in your county are being screened, how many have elevated levels, and whether the problem is growing or shrinking.
New Jersey's screening program
The New Jersey Department of Health oversees lead screening and surveillance. The state requires Medicaid-covered children to be screened at ages 1 and 2. Many private insurance plans cover screening too, though coverage varies—ask your pediatrician or insurance company.
The state collects blood lead test results from labs and health care providers. This information is confidential but is summarized by county and made public so families and officials can see trends.
How to find your county's data
The CDC maintains a public database of childhood blood lead surveillance data by county. You can search New Jersey's counties to see:
- What percentage of tested children had blood lead levels ≥5 micrograms per deciliter (µg/dL)—the CDC's reference value for concern
- How many children were tested
- Year-to-year changes
Visit the CDC's blood lead surveillance dashboard or contact the New Jersey Department of Health, Lead Program Office for the most recent county-level data specific to your area.
What if your child's test is elevated?
If your pediatrician tells you your child's blood lead level is elevated, don't panic—but do act. Lead exposure is cumulative; the sooner you reduce sources, the better. The NJDOH Lead Program Office can help you identify where lead may be in your home (paint, dust, soil, water) and connect you with resources for remediation.
For health guidance, follow your pediatrician's advice. The CDC also has guidance for families with elevated-lead children.
Next steps for residents
- Ask your pediatrician whether your child should be screened for lead (especially if under age 6 or living in an older home).
- Check your county's data using the CDC blood lead surveillance portal to understand exposure trends in your area.
- Contact the NJ Department of Health Lead Program Office if you have questions about screening coverage, results interpretation, or home lead hazards.
- Have your water tested through your local health department or a certified lab if you live in a home built before 1986.
```json [ { "q": "At what age should my child be tested for lead in New Jersey?", "a": "The CDC recommends screening all children at ages 1 and 2. Your pediatrician may recommend additional testing if your child lives in an older home, attends a school with known lead issues, or has other exposure risks. Medicaid covers screening at these ages; check with your private insurance about coverage." }, { "q": "What does a normal blood lead level mean?", "a": "The CDC considers blood lead levels below 5 micrograms per deciliter (µg/dL) as a reference value, meaning levels at or above 5 warrant action. There is no truly 'safe' lead level, but lower is always better. Talk to your pediatrician about what your child's specific result means." }, { "q": "How do I find blood lead data for my New Jersey county?", "a": "The CDC's blood lead surveillance dashboard lets you search by state and county to see what percentage of children tested had elevated levels. You can also contact the New Jersey Department of Health Lead Program Office for detailed local data." }, { "q": "Can lead in drinking water cause