Community Corner

Burlington County Conducting Free Lead Testing for Kids' Toys

The event is Friday at the county health department building in Westampton.

In recognition of Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, the Burlington County Health Department will conduct free lead testing for children’s toys from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Friday at the Burlington County Health Department off Woodlane Road in Westampton.

“Lead poisoning is preventable. The key is stopping children from coming into contact with products that contain lead,” said Burlington County Freeholder Mary Ann O’Brien. “One way is for parents to take advantage of our free testing program.”

A child’s brain grows the fastest between birth and 6 years of age. Exposure to lead, a highly toxic metal, can have serious health effects in children. Children with high blood-lead levels can suffer from damage to the brain and nervous system, behavior and learning problems—such as hyperactivity—slowed growth, hearing problems and headaches.

“It is important to offer parents the opportunity to get toys and other household items checked," Burlington County Health Officer Robert Gogats said. “To help your children be safe from lead, make sure they do not have access to peeling paint or chewable surfaces painted with lead-based paint, regularly wash children’s hands and toys that may come into contact with lead dust or particles and use only cold water from the tap for drinking, cooking, and for making baby formula.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimated there are 310,000 children with high levels of lead in their bodies. The primary exposure to lead in children in the United States is through lead-based paint, but lead is also showing up in many products, such as toys, jewelry, zippers, and imported ceramics (plates, bowls, mugs), much to the alarm of parents.

Not all retailers test their merchandise for lead, such as flea markets, discount or dollar stores, and mom-and-pop vendors. The Health Department also advises against buying used children's products, because it's hard for parents to know where the items came from.

Testing at Friday’s event will be limited to five items per household. For more information, contact the Burlington County Health Department at 609-265-5548.


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