What is the actionable level for elevated blood lead levels (EBL) for children 6 and under in New Jersey?

In New Jersey, the actionable level for elevated blood lead levels (EBL) in children aged 6 and under is established at 5 micrograms per deciliter. This standard reflects the growing understanding of lead's harmful effects on children's health, particularly since even low levels of lead exposure can have detrimental impacts on cognitive development, behavior, and overall health.

The choice of 5 micrograms per deciliter as the actionable level underscores the importance of early intervention and public health initiatives aimed at preventing lead exposure. When a child's blood lead level reaches this threshold, it prompts necessary actions such as medical evaluation, environmental assessments, and potentially remediation of lead sources in the child’s surroundings.

Setting the actionable level at 5 micrograms per deciliter aligns with recommendations from health organizations, emphasizing the critical need for proactive measures to protect children from lead exposure and safeguard their development.