Every child is at risk for lead poisoning, especially in New Jersey with its old housing stock and industrial heritage. In fact, New Jersey law mandates that physicians screen children for lead before age 6, specifically as close to 12 months and to 24 months as possible.

If you live in a home built before 1978, it is recommended that your child have a blood lead test. You can test your home for free through Wipe Out Lead New Jersey (WOLNJ).

Only when lead-based paint and lead-based paint hazards are removed and treated will it be lead-safe for young children and other occupants. The state offers relocation and/or abatement financial assistance.


NJ Lead Process:
  1. Blood Lead Test
  2. Test Your Home
  3. Abatement
  4. Relocation

  1. Blood Lead Test
    Only a blood test can determine if a child is lead poisoned.

    Blood tests can be done by a physician (insurance will cover the costs). If you do not have health insurance, you can have your child tested free of charge through your local health department. Every local health department in the state is required to provide well-child services for its community, including lead screening and immunization. To find your local health department, click here  or call 1-800-328-3838.
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  2. Test Your Home
    If you are pregnant, or have young children, and live in a home built before 1978, you are eligible for a free lead dust kit.

    Wipe Out Lead NJ is a statewide initiative to distribute free at-home lead dust test kits to pregnant women and eligible families in select cities across NJ. Using these kits, dust wipe samples taken from the window sill and floor are sent to a professional lab to determine whether harmful lead dust from lead based paint is present.

    For a free lead test kit, click here.
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  3. Abatement
    If you are a homeowner or rental property owner, the Lead Hazard Control Assistance Fund (through the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs) loans money to property owners who have lead-based paint hazards in their houses. Owner-occupants of 1-4 family dwellings may qualify for deferred payment loans with provisions for forgiveness, if their total household income does not exceed 80% of the median income for the area.

    For more information or to download the lead hazard control assistance fund application, click here or call 1(877) DCA-LEAD (1-877-322-5323)

    The State of New Jersey regulates contractors who perform lead-based paint abatement. State-certified lead abatement contractors must meet requirements set by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs. They must meet training requirements, pass a test, and have a permit issued by the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services.

    When you find a contractor, ALWAYS ask to see their state certification.

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  4. Relocation
    If your child is lead poisoned, you may qualify for housing assistance. The Emergency Lead Poisoning Relocation (ELPR) Program, through the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, provides financial assistance to relocate a child and his/her family when that child has an elevated blood lead level. In addition, there are no income restrictions on eligibility for assistance. Both owner-occupants and tenants are eligible for this program.

    For more information or to download the housing assistance application, click here or call 1(877) DCA-LEAD (1-877-322-5323)
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