FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 29, 2009

Lead awareness event is June 6
County Health Department to participate in lead poisoning event

LONG BRANCH – In an effort to reduce and eliminate the exposure of residents to lead, the Monmouth County Health Department is partnering with several organizations to hold a “Kickoff the Summer Lead Free” event from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on June 6 in Slocum Park at 344 Broadway.

“Exposure to lead is dangerous to children and adults and poses negative health effects after prolonged exposure,” said Freeholder Amy A. Mallet, who oversees the county’s Department of Health. “This summer-oriented awareness event will give parents and caregivers the tools to assess and remove lead-based products from their homes and play areas.”

The awareness fair will offer Lead Level Blood screening for children, information about sources of lead paint in the environment and dust wipe kits that parents can use to evaluate the painted surface in their homes. There will also be games, prizes and refreshments.  The event is free and will be held rain or shine.

The county Health Department has joined with the Long Branch Health Department, Monmouth Family Health Center and the Regional Perinatal Consortium of Monmouth and Ocean Counties, AMERIGROUP Community Care, AmeriChoice and Health Net to organize this event.

For more information please contact the Monmouth County Health Dept. Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program at 732-431-7456. 

According to the Consumer Products Safety Commission, lead is invisible to the naked eye and has no smell. Children may be exposed to it from consumer products through normal hand-to-mouth activity, which is part of their normal development. They often place toys and fingers in their mouth, exposing themselves to lead paint or dust.

Lead, a metallic substance, remains in the environment years after its initial use. It is toxic to the body’s tissues and enzymes. Lead poisoning results from exposure to lead in the environment. Even though lead has been banned for decades, it still may be present in homes built prior to 1978 and is most commonly found in chipping or peeling paints, plumbing and surrounding soil. Removing or avoiding lead sources or early detection through blood screening is the best means to prevent lead poisoning. Lead can forever be removed through proper abatement techniques.

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