A new law that mandates tougher protection for thousands of children at risk of lead poisoning provides just a fraction of the potentially $10 million needed to carry out the expanded health mission.
The law funds only 15 percent of what could be a $10 million increase to health agencies. This will challenge our health officials to effectively run this program.
There is no safe level of lead in a child’s blood and the effects are irreversible. Lead can delay their growth, their moods, their personality and school performance, it can affect their thinking and concentration.
Full funding should be a priority for the New Jersey Assembly. It should be remembered that the state raided millions of dollars from the lead hazard control assistance fund to pay for routine state bills and salaries, about $50 million was diverted from the fund. This should be reversed and fixed immediately.
Paul Schneider
President
Monmouth County Board of Health
Howell
