20 Scotch Road Ewing, NJ 08628
Lead Remediation and Abatement Program
What is Lead Poisoning?
Lead poisoning occurs when lead builds up in the body, often over months or years. Even small amounts of lead can cause serious health problems. Children younger than 6 years are especially vulnerable to lead poisoning, which can severely affect mental and physical development. At very high levels, lead poisoning can be fatal. Lead-based paint and lead-contaminated dust in older buildings are common sources of lead poisoning in children. Other sources include contaminated air, water and soil. Adults who work with batteries, do home renovations or work in auto repair shops also might be exposed to lead. There is treatment for lead poisoning, but taking some simple precautions can help protect you and your family from lead exposure before harm is done.
Lead is a toxic metal that can be found in many products and materials, including paint, pipes, vinyl mini-blinds, and pottery coatings. When lead enters the body, it can damage vital organs like the brain, kidneys, nerves, and blood cells. It can affect people of any age, but children under six are especially at risk. Symptoms can vary depending on the age of the person and the amount of lead exposure.
Symptoms include headaches, stomach cramps, constipation, muscle and joint pain, trouble sleeping, fatigue, irritability, and loss of sex drive. Adults may also experience high blood pressure, memory or concentration difficulties, mood disorders, and reduced sperm count. Pregnant women may experience miscarriages, stillbirths, or premature births.
Symptoms may include learning difficulties, slowed growth, hearing problems, anemia, and irritability. Children may also experience behavioral changes, such as reduced attention span and increased antisocial behavior.
Lead can be found in:
- Lead-based paint found in homes built before 1978. As the paint ages, it can breakdown creating paint chips and dust that is easily swallowed or inhaled.
- Imported consumer products such as cosmetics, spices, cultural remedies, pottery, and toys.
- Take-home lead from hobbies and occupations.
- Water pumped through leaded pipes.
- Contaminated soil and air.
DCA has a program, Lead Remediation and Abatement Program which help to identify and remediate lead‐based paint hazards via interim controls, encapsulation, replacement and/or abatement methods to prevent elevated blood lead levels in children and pregnant women and alleviate the existing identified lead‐based paint hazards for children with elevated blood lead levels (EBLL)
Individual or Household may be eligible for up to $13000 worth of home renovations and repairs.
Applicants must meet certain property and income eligibility guidelines
- Income Guidelines
- Participants should be low- to moderate-income homeowners or tenants.
- The homeowner/occupant and/or the tenant household’s gross income should not exceed 80% of Area Median Income in their respective county.
- Property Guidelines
- Consist of one (1) to four (4) units
- Built prior to 1978
- Must have a presence of lead-based paint hazards.
- Please note that documentation is also required to apply for the program.