The Paramus Board of Health has announced that it will offer a low cost screening for blood lead for preschool children in Paramus on Wednesday, May 2nd . The test uses a simple fingerstick, and will be held at Borough Hall on Carlough Drive.
Paramus Health Officer John Hopper urges the parents of all toddlers, one to six years old, to participate in this screening. “The United States Environmental Protection Agency has estimated that fifteen percent of the children in this country under the age of six have elevated levels of lead in their blood.
Lead Poisoning can harm the child’s developing brain and nervous system, and can also cause delayed speech, learning disabilities and behavior problemsâ€, Hopper said. State law mandates that every child be screened for blood lead between nine and 18 months of age, and again between 19 and 26 months of age. Any child over 26 months, but less than six years of age, may be screened, especially if he/she has never previously been tested for lead by their pediatrician.
Lead contamination can come from a number of sources, including solder in old pipes and dust in older homes. Most houses built before 1960 were painted with paint that contained lead. Subsequent renovations may produce lead contaminated dust, exposing infants and toddlers to lead poisoning through frequent hand to mouth contact.
Mr. Hopper stated that the fee for the program is $10.00. A check for this amount payable to “Tamarac Medical†must be submitted to the Board of Health by April 25, 2007. Residents must call the Board of Health at 265-2100, Ext. 615 or 618 to schedule an appointment.
Board of Health Vice-President Sharon Hayo, RN. urges the parents of all Paramus preschoolers to participate in the worthwhile screening program.
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